Sick Season: The Differences Between a Cold, Flu, and Covid
Dec. 30, 2025 Update: Please note we’re out of stock on flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 winter season. Please check back in for 2026-2027 availability!
The clocks have turned, there’s a chill in the air, and it seems like almost everyone has the sniffles or a light cough. It’s sick season, everyone! But how can you tell whether it’s just a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? While all these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, there are also some very key differences between them. Let’s dive in!
Cold
Cause: Typically rhinoviruses
How it starts: Gradual—builds up over a day or two
Common Symptoms:
- Sneezing and runny or stuffy nose
- Mild sore throat or cough
- Mild fatigue or headache
- Typically no fever
- No loss of taste or smell
Duration: 7–10 days
Flu
Cause: Influenza viruses
How it starts: Sudden—you could feel totally fine in the evening and wake up feeling awful
Common Symptoms:
- High fever
- Chills and sweats
- Headache and body aches
- Sore throat and cough
- Fatigue or weakness
- Occasionally nausea, especially in children
Duration: Usually 5–7 days, though fatigue can last longer
COVID-19
Cause: Coronavirus
How it starts: 2–14 days after exposure
Common Symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Loss of taste or smell
- Body aches, sore throat, congestion, runny nose
- Headache, nausea, diarrhea
Duration: A few days to several weeks—though “long COVID” may cause lingering fatigue or brain fog
Get Tested & Protected
If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, the only real way to know which of these illnesses you have is to get tested. We have both COVID tests and rapid flu tests at the pharmacy that’ll give you a surefire answer. Additionally, to help prevention, you should always get your annual flu shot and stay up-to-date on COVID vaccines. We have both available at the pharmacy and encourage you to get vaccinated right away!