Do I Have COVID or Is It Something Else?

Friday, December 10th, 2021, 6:17 am

During the winter months, people are more likely to catch contagious viruses, including the common cold and influenza. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no wonder that people worry that they have COVID-19 whenever they have a cough or scratchy throat. Here, we’ll discuss how you can differentiate between COVID-19 and other common viral infections at home. Keep in mind that if you’re feeling sick, you can visit Suncoast Urgent Care for prompt medical attention. 

Do I Have COVID-19?

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The symptoms and severity of this viral infection can vary greatly from case to case, which makes it difficult to identify without a COVID-19 test

The possible symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Fever 
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • New loss of smell or taste
  • Congestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Body aches

Conditions That Can Mimic COVID-19

  • The common cold

The common cold is a virus infection often caused by rhinoviruses. The most common symptoms of a common cold are sneezing, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, coughing, and post-nasal drip. While some of these symptoms are shared with COVID-19, you won’t experience vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea with a common cold. 

  • Influenza

The flu is a viral infection that shares many symptoms with COVID-19, including fatigue, headache, fever, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. However, the symptoms of COVID-19 that aren’t common with an influenza infection include new loss of smell or taste and difficulty breathing. 

  • Strep throat

Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection. It usually causes a sore throat, which is a possible symptom of COVID-19. However, strep throat has other symptoms that aren’t seen with COVID-19, including a red, inflamed throat and white patches on the tonsils.  

If you’re experiencing potential symptoms of COVID-19, visit Suncoast Urgent Care for COVID-19 testing and reliable medical care as soon as possible. We provide expert care for adults and children of all ages!

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Category: COVID


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