No, they aren’t. While both COVID-19 and the flu are respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by two different viruses, which is why the flu vaccine doesn’t protect against the coronavirus.

So, what if you happen to get sick this year? How are you supposed to know if you have the flu or COVID-19? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville is here to help, so read on.

How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?

The flu and the coronavirus share similar symptoms, but they also share some key differences. Typically unlike COVID-19, flu symptoms come on suddenly, and they come on hard. A fever is a tell-tale sign of the flu, whereas a fever isn’t always as consistent in the coronavirus, due to each case varying from the next.

An additional defining factor of the flu is that the flu doesn’t usually cause as many serious illnesses as COVID-19. We’ve listed some other common symptoms of the flu below.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Joint and muscle aches
• Pain and tiredness around the eyes
• Weakness or extreme fatigue
• Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Fever

How Do I Know If I Have COVID-19?

While COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms do look a lot alike, the two sicknesses are caused by two different viruses, as we said earlier. To be more specific, the flu is caused by an infection with influenza viruses, and COVID-19 is caused by an infection with a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

Experts say that one of the most telling signs of COVID-19 is a new loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, including some of the ones we’ve listed below, it’s important to schedule a COVID-19 test at our AFC center.

More Symptoms of COVID-19

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Headaches

No matter what you’re sick with, AFC Urgent Care Louisville has your back! Visit us if you feel under the weather today.