Like it or not, the flu season is upon us, and because we were saturated for a few years with COVID guidelines we may have forgotten when all we had to concern ourselves with was a seasonal flu or a stomach virus. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has helped explain the differences in winter ailments.
A fever of 100 or more is common with COVID, but if it comes on suddenly and hovers between 100 and 102, it is probably the flu. On the other hand, a fever is rarely seen with the common cold, and never with allergies.
General aches and pains are common in those with COVID and the flu. This symptom can sometimes be severe in COVID while is often severe in flu patients.
Also common with COVID are fatigue and weakness which can cause unexplained falls in the elderly; extreme exhaustion; cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; decreased appetite; nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; and diarrhea. COVID patients may often lose their sense of taste and/or smell and sometimes experience headaches, a sore throat or a runny nose. They will seldom have a stuffy nose or sneezing. Patients may see all or just a few of these symptoms. If you suspect you may have COVID, you should be tested. If exposed COVID, even if vaccinated, you should monitor symptoms for 10 days.
Common symptoms of the flu, including those listed above, include common and often extreme fatigue and weakness; early onset extreme fatigue; chest pain; poor appetite; intense headaches; chills and sore throat. Flu patients will sometimes experience nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain; diarrhea; runny nose; stuffy nose and sneezing. On rare occasions the patient may experience shortness of breath. The flu is a virus which can spread easily, but symptoms can be treated by visiting your physician. Flu symptoms can last up to two weeks, and serious complications can develop.
It is common for a common cold to produce a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and a mild to moderate cough. Sometimes a cold can affect appetite and congestion could affect the ability to smell. A cold will run its course in 7-10 days.
Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to certain foreign substances. Allergies can be present any time of year. Commonly, allergies will produce a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing and shortness of breath. Sometimes patients experience fatigue and weakness, a cough or a headache. On rare occasions a cold could produce shortness of breath. Loss of taste or smell is possible due to nasal congestion. Allergies can usually be helped with an antihistamine, but in worse cases a physician should be contacted for a more effective treatment.
As always, be vigilant this time of year, watching for symptoms that are commonly contagious, being especially considerate of the elderly or those suffering with weakened immune symptoms. Most importantly, if you experience these symptoms or test positive for any of these viruses, protect your coworkers and anyone you may encounter by staying home.
