Family Health

COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms, and testing is the only way to know for sure which one you have.

Health conditions may worsen if you are infected with the flu or COVID-19.

Common symptoms of the flu and COVID-19

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose.
• Muscle aches.
• Headache.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea (mostly in kids).

Other things to keep in mind

• COVID-19 may cause loss of taste or smell, which does not usually happen with the flu.
• COVID-19 symptoms can appear 2 to 14 days after infection.
• Flu symptoms usually show up in 1 to 4 days after infection.

If you're sick, stay home, wash your hands often, disinfect surfaces and wear a mask.

Get both the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine to stay protected, since you can get both illnesses at the same time.

Vaccines help lower the chances of getting very sick from either virus.

Geovany Lizarraga, MPH, CHES, Bilingual Health Education Specialist

Categories: Health Education Corner