Compare Common Symptoms
Symptoms | COVID-19* | Cold | Flu | RSV |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fever | Can be high but frequently without any fever | Rare | High (100° – 102°F), can last 3 – 4 days | Rare |
Headache | Common | Rare | Intense | Rare |
General aches, pains | Sometimes | Slight | Common (often severe) | Slight |
Fatigue, weakness | Variable | Slight | Common (often severe) | Slight |
Extreme exhaustion | Variable | Rare | Common (starts early) | Rare |
Stuffy nose | Common | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Sneezing | Common | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Sore throat | Common | Common | Common | Common |
Cough | Common | Mild to moderate | Common (can become severe) | Mild to moderate*** |
Shortness of breath | In more serious infections | Rare | Rare | Rare*** |
Runny nose | Common | Common | Sometimes | Common |
Diarrhea | Sometimes | Rare | Sometimes** | Rare |
*COVID-19 information is still evolving. **This symptom is specific to children. ***In babies and very young children, there may be wheezing.
Sources: CDC, WHO, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
Try Home Remedies
If you have mild respiratory symptoms, what can you do to feel better?
Ease your symptoms at home:
- Get lots of rest.
- Soothe nasal passages with a humidifier.
- Stay hydrated.
- Try mentholated salves like Vicks VapoRub® to calm an irritated throat and mild cough.
- Use preventive measures like wearing masks to help slow any spread in the household.
Use over-the-counter medications for:
- Chills
- Congestion
- Cough
- Muscle aches
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Watery eyes