It’s Winter – Time for Holidays and Flu Season

It’s officially wintertime, and with colder weather comes holiday traditions with family, more cozy nights spent by the fire and the peak of flu season. While the flu season alone is a reason to be more cautious when you’re out, this year it’s accompanied by the coronavirus pandemic, making it more important than ever to keep yourself healthy.

If you find you’re feeling under the weather one morning, do not immediately assume the worst and panic. While the flu and COVID-19 share a variety of symptoms, there are distinct symptoms that can help you identify which one you’re dealing with. 

How to Tell if It’s the Flu, Allergies or COVID-19

If you suddenly wake up one morning and notice your nose is congested or maybe you have a tickle in your throat, you may become fearful that you’re becoming sick. It’s important to keep in mind that seasonal allergies, the flu and COVID-19 are all prevalent at the same time this year. By familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of each, you’ll be better able to distinguish which one you’re dealing with.

Allergy Vs. Flu Symptoms

Both allergies and the flu affect your respiratory system, which can lead to you experiencing difficulty breathing. The main difference between the flu and allergies, is that the flu can cause you to have a high fever that lasts for 3 to 4 days accompanied by fatigue and general aches. You will not experience a fever or general aches and pains if you’re dealing with just allergies.

Allergy symptoms can usually last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen, which could be up to 6 weeks depending on the season and what allergen you’re exposed to. The flu will typically last shorter than 2 weeks in comparison. It’s also common to experience chest discomfort when you have the flu, another symptom you will not experience with allergies.

COVID-19 and Flu Symptoms

This year’s flu season is accompanied by another respiratory illness, COVID-19. While both are contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses with key differences between the two.

Allergy Vs. Flu Symptoms

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache

While both the flu and COVID-19 have the above symptoms in common, there are a few distinctions to tell which one you’re experiencing. For instance, flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, while COVID-19 seems to cause more serious illness in certain individuals. COVID-19 also can cause you to lose your sense of taste or smell, while the flu does not.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately to determine what the best course of action is.

Live a Vibrant Lifestyle at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant

The health and wellbeing of our residents is our absolute top priority at Ohio Living Mount Pleasant.  That’s why we are taking precautions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 amongst our residents, patients and staff members.

Contact us today to learn more about our independent living options and how Ohio Living Mount Pleasant helps you enhance your lifestyle.