When seasonal flu is going around, you may be one of the smart people who has prepared for feeling under the weather by stocking up on fruits and vegetables and having some Brillia Health over the counter flu medicine on hand. However, in these confusing times, if you start to feel an illness coming on you may not be certain whether it’s a routine flu or COVID-19 that’s hit you. Here’s what you need to know about these two viruses and what to do if you’re feeling symptomatic.
How Are the Flu and COVID-19 Similar?
Because they are both respiratory illnesses and both are highly contagious, COVID-19 and the seasonal flu have a lot in common. If you’re feeling feverish, chilled, fatigued, or achy, you may have contracted either illness. The same goes if you are experiencing other symptoms like a cough or muscle aches. Even gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can be indicators that you’ve come down with either the flu or COVID-19. Because there’s so much similarity in symptoms, it can make it difficult for you to tell which illness you are suffering from.
How Are They Different?
Although both the seasonal flu and COVID-19 share many symptoms, if you’re feeling ill there may be some telltale signs that what you’ve contracted is the latter illness. In general, flu symptoms come on suddenly, whereas symptoms of COVID-19 often take at least five days to develop. With the flu, coughs are usually mild, whereas a COVID-19 cough is often severe and persistent and may cause you to feel short of breath. Although you may not always have a sore throat or runny nose when you get the flu, they’re much more likely to occur if you have COVID-19. Additionally, fevers associated with cases of flu tend to break faster than those with COVID-19.
What Should You Do if You Feel Ill?
The only sure way to know if what you’ve come down with is the flu or COVID-19 is to be tested. Most experts recommend virtual doctor visits so you stay put and don’t infect others. Whichever your diagnosis, a treatment plan will be created for you that you should follow so you have the best chance to make a full and speedy recovery. Continue to self-isolate to avoid spreading either illness, and do your best to follow your doctor’s orders. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy foods; regardless of what you’ve come down with, the best foods for flu symptoms are also good for your overall health.
If you’re feeling any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to consult your doctor to determine whether you’re coming down with the flu or COVID-19. Although there are many similarities, each illness will be treated in its own way. To reduce your chances of becoming seriously ill in the first place, protect yourself by washing your hands, consuming nutritious foods, and having symptom-relieving supplements from Brillia Health at the ready in your medicine cabinet.
