How can you tell if you have the flu, a cold, or Covid-19? How can you tell if you have the flu, a cold, or Covid-19? Because the symptoms ...

 How can you tell if you have the flu, a cold, or Covid-19?

How can you tell if you have the flu, a cold, or Covid-19?

Because the symptoms of the illnesses sometimes overlap, experts believe testing is the best method to figure out what you have.

Cold, flu, and Covid-19 viruses all transmit in the same way: via droplets from infected people's noses and mouths. They can all spread before someone realises they've been infected.

When someone with any of the conditions begins to feel poorly, the time frame varies. Even though some people who are infected with the coronavirus don't show any symptoms, they might still spread the virus.

Both the flu and Covid-19 cause cough, fever, weariness, and muscular pains, according to Kristen Coleman, assistant research professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. Covid-19-specific symptoms include a loss of taste or smell.

Colds that are common, on the other hand, are usually milder, with symptoms such as a stuffy nose and a sore throat. With the flu, fever is more prevalent.

'Flurona':

                            Despite some erroneous claims on the internet, the viruses have not joined to form a new disease. However, it is conceivable to contract the flu and Covid-19 at the same time, a condition known as "flurona" by some.

"Any type of co-infection can be severe or even make your symptoms worse," explains Coleman. "We should anticipate to see more of these sorts of viral co-infections in the coming weeks or months if influenza incidence continue to climb."

Because the three virus kinds generate so many identical symptoms, testing is still the best way to figure out which one you have. Flu at-home tests aren't as common as Covid-19 testing, but some pharmacies may test for both viruses at the same time, according to Coleman. This can assist doctors in prescribing the appropriate medicine.

In addition, laboratories may be able to screen samples for a variety of respiratory viruses, including common cold viruses. However, most don't have the capacity to do so on a regular basis, especially during a Covid-19 outbreak, according to Coleman.

Vaccination helps to prevent the spread of viruses. It is safe to have a flu vaccination and a Covid-19 booster at the same time, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.