How do I know if I have COVID-19, the flu, or just a cold? Symptoms can offer clues, but they cannot reliably tell COVID-19 from flu—and colds overlap too. Testing is the way to confirm COVID-19 or flu. If you are at higher risk of severe illness, contact a healthcare provider promptly rather than waiting for a symptom pattern to make the diagnosis clear.
Can symptoms tell COVID-19, flu, and a cold apart?
No. COVID-19 and flu can cause many of the same symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. The CDC says, “You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by the symptoms alone because many of the signs and symptoms are the same.” CDC: Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19
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A cold is often milder and more likely to feature a runny or stuffy nose, while flu often starts abruptly and feels more intense. These are tendencies, not a diagnostic test: cold, flu, and COVID-19 symptoms can overlap. CDC: Cold Versus Flu
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| Clue | Common cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Usually gradual | Often abrupt | Can overlap with flu; timing alone cannot confirm it |
| Usual intensity | Usually milder | Often more intense | Can range from mild to severe |
| Nose symptoms | Runny or stuffy nose is common | Can occur, but is less prominent in the CDC comparison | Runny or stuffy nose can occur |
| Fever, chills, aches, and fatigue | Fever and aches are less typical; symptoms are often mild | Fever or chills, body aches, and fatigue are more common | These can also occur |
| Taste or smell change | Not a reliable discriminator in this comparison | Can occur | More frequent than with flu, but not a dependable stand-alone test |
These comparisons describe common patterns, not rules. A person with flu may have prominent nose symptoms, and a person with COVID-19 may have mild symptoms. A change in taste or smell can point toward COVID-19, but its absence does not rule it out and its presence does not confirm it. CDC: Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19 CDC: Cold Versus Flu
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- Made for Ages 2 and Above; Parents Can Stop Guessing: Quickly identify whether you or your kids are dealing with coronavirus or influenza A & B. Adult-collection is required for those aged 2-13 years, and self-collection by individuals aged 14 years and older.
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When to test and what the results mean
Testing is useful when knowing whether you have COVID-19 or flu could affect treatment or steps to reduce spread. Some FDA-approved rapid tests for home use detect influenza A and B and SARS-CoV-2; a clinician may also recommend molecular testing when flu or COVID-19 is suspected and timely treatment decisions matter. Availability and test instructions can change, so check the current product labeling and FDA guidance. CDC: Flu Testing CDC: Testing for Respiratory Viruses
- COVID-19 antigen tests: A negative result can miss an infection and does not rule out COVID-19. Follow the FDA’s current instructions on repeat testing after a negative result. CDC: COVID-19 Testing
- Flu rapid antigen tests: These can provide quick results but may be less accurate than other flu tests. A negative result does not necessarily mean you do not have flu. CDC: Flu Testing
- Combination tests: An at-home COVID-19 and flu test may check for both viruses, but a negative rapid result is not definitive. Some tests detect both viruses; check the specific test’s current authorization and labeling. CDC: At-Home Flu Tests
If you may be at higher risk, act early
If you are at increased risk of severe illness and suspect COVID-19 or flu, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Antiviral treatments work best when started soon after symptoms begin, and waiting to see which illness your symptoms resemble can cost time. CDC guidance gives a treatment-start window of 5–7 days after symptom onset for COVID-19 and 2 days for flu. A clinician can advise whether testing or treatment is appropriate for your situation. CDC: Common Cold—Treatment
Rank #2
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When to seek urgent medical care
Get immediate medical attention for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, inability to wake, seizures, severe weakness, or any other severe or concerning symptom. Other adult flu warning signs include persistent dizziness, not urinating, severe muscle pain or unsteadiness, and fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens. CDC’s warning-sign list is not exhaustive; do not wait for a listed sign if a condition feels severe. CDC: Signs and Symptoms of Flu
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Best Value
- FDA Authorized 15-Minute Flu A&B, COVID Test Kit: Over-the-counter flu and COVID test for home use with rapid results in just 15 minutes.
- Made for Ages 2 and Above; Parents Can Stop Guessing: Quickly identify whether you or your kids are dealing with coronavirus or influenza A & B. Adult-collection is required for those aged 2-13 years, and self-collection by individuals aged 14 years and older.
- Same Ease-of-Use; Get 3 Results in 1 Test: Utilizing the familiar 4 user-friendly steps of at-home COVID tests, you can now get all 3 results for COVID-19 and Flu A & B at once with 5 drops of sample.
- Fast and Convenient COVID and Flu Tests for Home: Use this COVID and influenza rapid test kit in the comfort of your home. Bypass the need for a doctor's visit and protect your loved ones from potential exposure to contagious illnesses at school, work, or public gatherings.
- Compact Design for On-the-Go Testing: Stay safe wherever you go with our COVID-19, Flu A & B 3-in-1 self-test. Its compact design ensures easy storage and convenient portability for your travel bag.
Rank #4
- 3-in-1 Multiplex Detection: Detects SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B antigens from a single anterior nasal swab sample.
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- Simple Nasal Swab Collection: Uses a short anterior nasal swab sample with step-by-step instructions included in the kit.
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Rank #3
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- 2-YEAR SHELF LIFE FOR PREPAREDNESS: With a 24-month expiration, this compact kit is ideal for home health drawers, classroom or workplace supplies, travel, and seasonal preparedness
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