What is the Difference Between a Cold, the Flu, Allergies, and COVID-19, and How Can Urgent Care Help?

Do you have symptoms that could be connected to the flu or an allergy? Or COVID-19? Maybe it’s just a simple cold! It’s hard to know exactly what issue you may be facing as many of these symptoms are the same. However, there are some more discreet differences and fortunately Urgent Care can help!

According to the CDC, adults in the US experience an average of 2-3 colds per year, while children may have as many as 6-8. On the other hand, allergies are a year-round concern, with an estimated 50 million Americans experiencing them. The flu is generally a lot more serious, but not as frequently caught, with the average person experiencing it up to two times every ten years. 

Colds and seasonal allergies affect the respiratory system, but the two are very different. Allergies result from an overactive immune response to the allergen, which can be harmless substances like pollen or dust. On the contrary, colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are caused by a viral infection.

Due to their impact on the same system, these four conditions can exhibit similar symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, and runny nose, which makes it challenging to differentiate between them. 

Distinguishing between these four is crucial for selecting the appropriate treatment and managing the condition effectively. Keep reading to learn the difference between a cold, the flu, allergies, and COVID-19.

Difference Between a Cold, the Flu, Allergies, and COVID-19:

Duration of Symptoms

One of the most significant ways to tell the difference between a cold, the flu, allergies, and COVID-19  is the duration of symptoms. For example, a cold typically lasts 7-10 days, the flu lasts 5-7 days, and COVID-19 symptoms can persist for weeks, but allergies can last for weeks or months, especially when it comes to seasonal allergies.

Severity of Symptoms 

One key difference is that the flu and COVID-19 can cause aches, pains, and fever, while allergies and the cold typically do not. Allergies usually cause more sneezing, itching, runny nose, and itchy red watery eyes, whereas a cold may leave you with a cough, runny nose, and a sore throat. 

The common cold also tends to produce thicker, discolored mucus, whereas allergies typically result in clear, thin, watery mucus. 

Time of Year

Colds, flu, and COVID-19 happen more in the winter because these viruses thrive in cold environments. As we spend more time indoors, the virus is able to survive longer and be passed around easily.

Allergies can happen in the spring/summer or during seasonal changes when trees, grasses, and weeds release environmental allergens, such as pollen. In addition, seasonal changes can also lead to changes in humidity, temperature, and air quality, which can aggravate allergies by allowing the growth of specific allergens, such as mold.

Is Cold Medicine Helping?

Cold medicine is not specifically designed to treat allergies. Although some symptoms of cold and allergies are similar, such as sneezing and runny nose, the underlying causes differ.

Cold medicine is typically intended to alleviate the symptoms of a cold, such as congestion, cough, and sore throat. These medicines may contain ingredients, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers, which can relieve some of the symptoms that also occur with allergies. 

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment. They may recommend a specific measure, such as avoiding allergens, or allergy-specific medication, such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or decongestants. 

They may also recommend allergen immunotherapy or allergy shots for severe allergies or not completely resolved by other treatments.

How can Urgent Care help?

Urgent Care facilities like Midlands Family Urgent Care are a useful resource for getting you back to your healthy self! Here are some of the key ways they can help:

Assessment and Diagnosis 

Urgent care centers have medical professionals who can evaluate you and can help you tell the difference between a cold, the flu, allergies, or COVID-19 symptoms.

Testing

Urgent care facilities often offer various diagnostic tests, including rapid antigen tests or molecular tests (such as PCR tests) to check for COVID-19 and the flu. They can perform the necessary swabs or collect samples to help identify the specific cause of your symptoms.

Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis, urgent care providers can recommend appropriate treatment options. These may include a combination of over-the-counter medication to help with symptoms to prescribed medications for more severe symptoms.

Referrals

If your condition requires more specialized care, urgent care centers can refer you to appropriate healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, specialists, or hospitals, depending on your needs.

End Note

We hope these key indicators will help you tell the difference between a cold, the flu, allergies, or COVID-19.To receive the most suitable treatment, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, like at Midlands Family Urgent Care.

If you are currently experiencing any symptoms, do not hesitate to seek additional help. Reach out to Midlands Family Urgent Care today for extra assistance and support in managing your symptoms.