Viruses typically reign supreme in the medical world during the winter, and this year, virus season is taken to a new level with the presence of COVID-19.

Because the flu and COVID-19 are at their peak right now, how are you supposed to know which one you have if you do fall ill? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Louisville has some answers, so read on.

How Do I Know If I Have the Flu?

The flu and the coronavirus share similar symptoms, but they’re still very different illnesses. 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 quite as consistent in COVID-19.

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 more 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?

As we said earlier, COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms look a lot alike. Although the flu and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, they are caused by two different viruses. The flu is caused by an infection with an influenza virus, 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. We strongly suggest getting a COVID-19 test first when experiencing these symptoms, in addition to the ones we’ve listed below, to make sure that you are not COVID-19-positive before resuming your regular daily activities.

More Symptoms of COVID-19

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

It’s scary out there right now, but AFC Urgent Care Louisville has your back! Visit us if you feel under the weather today.