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This time of year, there are always a lot of people feeling under the weather. Since the breakout of the coronavirus pandemic, the big question these days is of course: Is it COVID-19 (also known as the SARS-CoV-2 virus), flu, or just a cold? Many of the symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold are similar, so it can be difficult to figure out what you have. Here, we look at the symptoms, how you can differentiate between the three, and share our top tips for taking care of yourself this season.
Is it a flu, cold or Covid?
Cold and flu season is upon us once more, and with the coronavirus still a threat, many of us are concerned that the symptoms of a cold are symptoms of COVID-19. We look at the key differences between a common cold, the flu, and COVID-19, with tips on how best to care for yourself this winter.
Difference between a cold and COVID-19
If you catch a cold, you usually suffer from a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, and sneezing. You may also have achy muscles and feel fatigued. The symptoms of the COVID-19 variants are often more severe. For example, many people with coronavirus suffer from high fever. Other symptoms of the coronavirus may include:
- Coughing (usually a dry cough)
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Loss of smell and loss of taste
When you cough or sneeze, small water droplets enter the air. This is how a virus can spread and infect surfaces. If you inhale these droplets, or get them in your mouth, nose or eyes, you can become infected with a virus. If you have COVID-19, the first symptoms usually appear 5 to 6 days following infection.
Difference between flu and COVID-19
The difference between the flu and COVID-19 is a bit more difficult to determine, because even with flu, you can suffer from cough and fever. It is therefore always advisable to do a COVID-19 test if you are not sure which one you may have.
Often, people say that they have the flu when it is just a common cold. But flu symptoms are more severe than the symptoms of a cold. Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Coughing
- Fatigue
Even if you have the flu, it is wise to follow the same rules as if you were tested positive with COVID-19: stay at home, do not meet people, and wash your hands regularly to prevent infecting those you live with. Get as much rest as possible, drink plenty of water, and try to eat something as soon as you feel hungry again.
COVID-19, or flu, or a cold
Are you sick and not sure if it is a cold, flu, or COVID-19? The table below depicts which symptoms belong to which disease. If you suspect you have COVID-19, get tested as soon as you can. Only with a test can you be 100% sure whether it’s COVID-19 or not. To ensure that you are as protected as possible, get your Covid-19 vaccines, and booster jab.
Even if you are vaccinated, you can still become infected and spread the virus. And while you can still struggle with side effects, the chance that you will become seriously ill, need medical attention, or suffer from long COVID-19 is fortunately much smaller for healthy people.
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | Covid |
|---|---|---|---|
| duration | <14 days | 7-14 days | 7-25 days |
| runny nose / stuffy nose | often | sometimes | often |
| sore throat | often | sometimes | often |
| sneezing | often | rarely | often |
| headache | rarely | often | sometimes |
| (dry) cough | rarely | often | often |
| fatigue | sometimes | often | often |
| shortness of breath | rarely | rarely | often |
| fever | rarely | often | often |
| diarrhea | rarely | sometimes | sometimes |
| muscle aches | often | often | sometimes |
Cold
Flu
Covid
duration
Cold
Flu
Covid
<14 days
7-14 days
7-25 days
runny nose / stuffy nose
Cold
Flu
Covid
often
sometimes
often
sore throat
Cold
Flu
Covid
often
sometimes
often
sneezing
Cold
Flu
Covid
often
rarely
often
headache
Cold
Flu
Covid
rarely
often
sometimes
(dry) cough
Cold
Flu
Covid
rarely
often
often
fatigue
Cold
Flu
Covid
sometimes
often
often
shortness of breath
Cold
Flu
Covid
rarely
rarely
often
fever
Cold
Flu
Covid
rarely
often
often
diarrhea
Cold
Flu
Covid
rarely
sometimes
sometimes
muscle aches
Cold
Flu
Covid
often
often
sometimes
Tips for the flu and colds
- Take enough rest - Whether you have the flu or symptoms of a common cold: it is important to give your body enough rest if you are not feeling well. Also try to avoid physical exertion. That way you give your body the strength to recover.
- Drink plenty of water - Drinking water is important if you are not feeling your best. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially if you have a fever. If you have a fever, you lose a lot of fluid. Therefore, if you are sick, try to drink two liters of water a day. Possibly supplemented with, for example, tea, vegetable soup or chicken soup.
- Use eye drops - If you have a cold or the flu, you can quickly develop dry, burning eyes. Or just from tear eyes. It can then be pleasant to use eye drops. With eye drops, your eyes will quickly feel comfortable again. Many eye drops can be used while wearing your contact lenses. Do you find yourself falling asleep all the time? Then take off your contact lenses, because sleeping with contact lenses is not good for your eyes.
- Eat healthy - Once you're feeling better and want to eat something, choose something that is easy to digest and healthy. You give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to strengthen. For example, a banana is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.
- Use daily contact lenses - When you are sick, you may prefer to wear glasses over contact lenses. As soon as you feel a bit better you could choose to wear daily contact lenses. You simply throw away daily contact lenses at the end of the day. The next day, grab a new, clean pair of lenses. So you don't have to get started with contact lens solution. Super easy and it saves time.
- Protect others - Not feeling well? Avoid social contacts and stay at home. Don't meet up with friends or family and don't go out. Try to keep at least one meter away from roommates (avoid direct contact). Do you think you have Covid? Make an appointment for a Covid test. Then stay home until you have the results and are sure that you do not have Covid.
- Washing hands - Wash your hands well with soap and water regularly. This can drastically reduce the number of virus particles. Should you cough or sneeze? Do not do this in your hand but in your elbow.
Help with irritated eyes: eye drops
Eye drops bring relief if you suffer from dry, burning or watery eyes. For example, try our everclear eye drops. These eye drops provide immediate relief if you suffer from irritated eyes. You can use these eye drops if you wear contact lenses.
Thanks to the unique natural formula, your eyes immediately feel comfortable again. In addition, these eye drops have a perfect price-quality ratio. And because you can order eye drops online, you don't have to leave the house. Very useful if you don't feel optimal!
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