If you're constantly googling every odd "symptom" you have, then this information is for you.
It's spring, which means a whole slew of new symptoms (i.e., allergies) has just been dumped into the pot. Are you checking every ache, every cough, and every sniffle? Are you bombarding google with your questions about what your new symptom could mean? Here's how to tell the difference between seasonal allergies, cold, flu, strep throat, or coronavirus. We've laid out the symptoms for each, based on what we've gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other trusted sources.
Allergies
If you've had seasonal allergies in past years, then you will probably recognize the drill. The big thing to remember is that with allergies, you will rarely (if ever) come down with a fever. Symptoms should be pretty mild, albeit irritating.
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red, swollen and/or itchy eyes
- Itchy nose
- Tickle in the throat
Cold
Caused by respiratory viruses, most often rhinoviruses. There's no cure, but its symptoms are usually mild, and it passes with good hydration and rest.
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Body aches
Flu
Influenza, or the "flu," is caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.
- Fever/feeling feverish, chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue, tiredness
- Maybe vomiting/diarrhea, though this is more common in children
Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).
- Sore throat that can start very quickly
- Pain when swallowing
- Fever
- Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
New Coronavirus, COVID-19
- Shortness of breath
- Fever (above 100 degrees)
- Dry cough
- Gradual onset (two to 14 days after onset)
- Sometimes headache
- Sometimes aches and pains
- Sometimes fatigue, but it’s not predominate like the flu
Remember that if you or someone in your home exhibits symptoms of the more serious ailments, such as the flu, strep throat, or coronavirus, you should reach out to your primary care provider for treatment.
