Flu vs. COVID-19: How to Tell the Difference and When to Seek Medical Help
With winter respiratory viruses circulating, flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms. Learn how to distinguish them, why diagnosis matters for treatment, and when to seek medical help.
The winter season brings respiratory viruses, and this year, flu and COVID-19 are circulating simultaneously. Fever, muscle aches, coughing, and a burning throat appear in both, making it difficult to determine independently which one has struck.
What They Have in Common and How to Tell Them Apart
COVID-19 and the flu share many symptoms: fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and headache. Children may also experience nausea and vomiting, while some individuals are infected without feeling any symptoms at all.
According to Mayo Clinic, three signs may hint at the difference:
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Loss of taste or smell: A sudden loss is more characteristic of COVID-19 and rare in the flu.
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Speed of onset: The flu typically strikes quickly, one to four days after exposure, whereas COVID-19 symptoms can appear between two days and two weeks after exposure.
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Duration of contagion: COVID-19 patients can remain contagious longer than those with the flu.
However, these signs are not definitive, and some people may contract both viruses simultaneously. The only way to know for sure is through testing.
Treatment and When to See a Doctor
Why it is important to know: Most people recover at home with rest and fluids. However, for those at risk—such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions like heart disease—specific antiviral treatments are available. The flu is treated with medications like Tamiflu, while COVID-19 is treated with drugs like Paxlovid. Because the treatment differs, identifying the specific virus is essential.
You should consult a physician if you are in a risk group or if symptoms do not improve after a few days. Seek immediate emergency care or contact MDA (Magen David Adom) if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pressure or pain, confusion, or bluish lips.
Tip: Health maintenance organizations are currently offering flu vaccinations. Individuals in high-risk groups can also inquire about the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
