Flu season is here, and with COVID-19 still circulating, it’s easy to confuse the two. Both are respiratory illnesses that spread quickly and cause similar symptoms. However, understanding the differences can help you know when to seek medical care and decide whether testing is necessary.
At Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, we offer testing for COVID-19 and the flu, along with treatment recommendations to help you recover safely.
Below, we break down the key differences between the two illnesses, compare flu vs. COVID symptoms, and provide helpful tips on what to do if you’re feeling unwell.
COVID-19 vs. Flu: Key Differences
While the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer classified as a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating, much like influenza. New variants continue to emerge, and seasonal surges remain a concern, much like influenza.
Both COVID-19 and influenza viruses spread through respiratory droplets and can cause mild to severe illness, but they differ in how they develop, how long they last, and their potential long-term effects.
COVID vs. Flu: What Causes Each Illness?
- COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which emerged in 2019 and continues to circulate worldwide.
- The flu is caused by influenza viruses, primarily influenza A and B, and is a seasonal illness that occurs each year.
COVID vs. Flu: Modes of Transmission
Both viruses spread through respiratory droplets, which are released when coughing, sneezing, talking, and breathing. However, COVID-19 spreads more easily than the flu, especially in indoor spaces with poor ventilation.
One crucial difference between COVID-19 and the flu is how easily they spread before you know you’re sick.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can be passed from person to person, even if someone isn’t showing symptoms yet or never developed symptoms. However, people with COVID-19 are often contagious for longer before symptoms appear — sometimes for several days.
On the other hand, the flu is usually spread by people who are already feeling ill. While it’s still possible to spread the flu before symptoms show up, it’s generally for a shorter period (about a day before you get sick).
COVID-19 vs. Flu Incubation Period: How Long Before Symptoms Appear?
- Flu: Symptoms appear one to four days after exposure.
- COVID-19: Symptoms may take two to 14 days to develop, making it harder to pinpoint when or where someone was infected.
Flu vs. COVID Symptoms: Duration and Recovery
- Flu symptoms usually last three to seven days, with most people recovering within a week.
- COVID-19 symptoms can linger for weeks, with some people developing long COVID, which is marked by fatigue, brain fog, and respiratory issues that persist for months or years.
Because of these differences, COVID-19 cases can sometimes be more unpredictable in terms of severity and long-term effects.
COVID Symptoms vs. Flu Symptoms
Since both illnesses affect the respiratory system, they share many symptoms, but not all. Here is a quick overview of flu vs. COVID symptoms.
| COVID Symptoms vs. Flu Symptoms | ||
| Symptom | COVID-19 | Flu |
| Fever or Chills | Common | Common |
| Cough | Common, often persistent | Common, usually less persistent |
| Fatigue | Common, may last longer | Common, typically short-term |
| Sore Throat | Common | Common |
| Runny or Stuffy Nose | Common | Common |
| Muscle or Body Aches | Common | Common |
| Headache | Common | Common |
| Shortness of Breath | More common, especially in severe cases | Less common |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | More common, though less frequent with newer variants | Rare |
| Nausea or Vomiting | Possible | Possible, more common in children |
| Diarrhea | Possible | Possible, more common in children |
| Symptom Onset | Gradual (2-14 days after exposure) | Sudden (1-4 days after exposure) |
Symptoms More Common in COVID-19 vs. Flu
While COVID-19 has flu-like symptoms, these may persist longer than what is typical for influenza. As mentioned, many people experience long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions.
This refers to a range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems that people can experience weeks, months, or even years after first being infected with COVID-19. With the flu, prolonged symptoms are less common.
Another key difference is shortness of breath. While the flu can make you feel congested, COVID-19 is more likely to cause breathing difficulties, especially in severe cases.
Since the two illnesses overlap in symptoms, a medical evaluation and testing are the most reliable ways to confirm whether you’re experiencing COVID symptoms vs. flu symptoms.
When to Seek Urgent Care
Most mild cases of COVID-19 and flu can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, some cases can become severe and require medical attention.
Consider visiting an urgent care facility if:
- Your fever lasts longer than three days or spikes above 103°F.
- You experience dehydration symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, and dark urine.
- Your symptoms improve but then return.
- You have a worsening cough or fever.
- You have respiratory issues like wheezing or mild shortness of breath that don’t improve with time.
When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)
While an urgent care facility is well-equipped to treat mild to moderate symptoms of flu or COVID-19, some cases require immediate emergency care.
The following are some signs you should go to the ER or call 911 for immediate medical attention:
- Severe breathing difficulties or shortness of breath, even at rest
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Bluish lips or face, which could indicate low oxygen levels
In children, watch for:
- Fast or labored breathing
- Skin turning bluish or gray
- Severe vomiting or refusal to drink fluids
- Extreme irritability or difficulty waking up
Since both COVID-19 and flu can lead to complications, timely medical care is crucial.
COVID-19 and Flu Testing and Diagnosis
Since symptoms overlap, testing is the only reliable way to confirm whether you have COVID-19 or the flu. It’s important not to self-diagnose. Knowing your diagnosis can help guide treatment, determine if an antiviral medication is needed, and prevent the spreading of the illness.
A flu or COVID test determines whether antiviral medication is needed. It helps guide isolation and treatment recommendations. Importantly, a flu or COVID test identifies whether symptoms are flu, COVID-19, or another respiratory illness.
At Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, we offer:
- Rapid Flu Tests: Detects the flu virus in 15 minutes
- PCR Tests: Highly accurate and detect even low levels of the COVID-19 virus, though results may take longer
- COVID-19 Antigen Tests: Provide faster results and help determine active infections
When to Get Tested for COVID or Flu
You should get tested if you:
- Are experiencing flu-like symptoms
- Have lost your sense of taste or smell
- You are at higher risk for complications
- Older adults (65+)
- Young children, especially infants
- Pregnant individuals
- People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Those with weakened immune systems
- You were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or flu. If this is the case, here’s the general recommendation for when to get tested for COVID or flu:
- COVID-19: Testing is recommended at least 5 days after exposure (sooner if symptoms develop).
- Flu: Testing is useful if symptoms appear and you need treatment.
- You need a confirmed diagnosis for work, school, or travel.
Differences Between COVID and Flu Treatment Options
For both COVID-19 and the flu, early treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Flu Treatments
- Antiviral medications (Tamiflu, Relenza) can shorten the illness if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Over-the-counter medications help with fever, congestion, and body aches.
- Rest and hydration are crucial for recovery.
COVID-19 Treatments
- Antiviral medications (Paxlovid) may be prescribed for high-risk patients to reduce symptom severity.
- Supportive care, such as fever management and hydration, helps with recovery in mild cases.
- Hospital-based treatments like oxygen therapy may be needed for severe cases.
Prevention: How to Protect Yourself and Your Community
While treatments exist, prevention remains the best strategy.
Vaccination: The Best Defense
- Flu vaccines are updated annually to protect against common strains.
- COVID-19 vaccines and boosters help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
Everyday Precautions
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
- Cover coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading germs.
- Wear a mask in crowded or high-risk environments, especially during flu season.
These simple precautions not only protect you but also reduce the spread of illness in your community.
Reliable Testing and Timely Treatment for COVID-19 and Influenza
Don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you suspect you or a loved one may have influenza or COVID-19. Early testing and treatment can prevent complications and support a smoother recovery.
At Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, we offer flu and COVID-19 testing, symptom evaluations, and treatments to help you recover safely. We also have flu vaccines to keep you protected throughout the season.
Walk in anytime during clinic hours, no appointment needed. You may also contact us for more information about our services.