Is it a Cold, the Flu, or COVID-19?

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The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 all have similar symptoms. Knowing the signs of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

These are common signs, but your symptoms may be more or less severe, or you may only have a few. If you feel sick, stay home and call your doctor to discuss how you’re feeling and whether you need to get tested. Older adults are more likely to become seriously ill from the flu and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent some of these diseases.

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Common symptoms of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 infographic. Open PDF for full description

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Read a transcript of the infographic

[Note: The content is in a chart of four columns and 11 rows that describes the common symptoms of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19. Symptoms may vary based on new COVID-19 variants and vaccination status.]

Common symptoms of a cold include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and cough.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever and/or chills, headache, muscle pain or body aches, feeling tired or weak, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and/or chills, headache, muscle pain or body aches, feeling tired or weak, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, vomiting and diarrhea, and change in or loss of taste or smell.

Learn more about the flu and older adults.