Is It a Cold, Flu, Pneumonia or COVID-19?

What you should know about colds, flu, pneumonia and COVID-19

We’ve all been sick, but how do you really know the difference between a cold, the flu (influenza), or something serious like pneumonia or COVID-19? Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s making you feel bad without a doctor’s help.

A guide to understanding the symptoms

Knowing a little about what causes the common cold, flu, pneumonia and COVID-19, as well as their symptoms, is a great first step to staying healthy. HealthSpring is here to help you understand these symptoms, but it’s important to remember that if you are not feeling well, always talk to your doctor.

Cold symptoms

A different type of virus causes the common cold, often referred to as rhinovirus. Cold symptoms usually develop gradually and may include a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, tiredness and sneezing. The symptoms rarely cause a high fever, unlike the flu, and most often last about two weeks. If your symptoms do not go away, talk to your doctor about what to do next.  

Flu symptoms

Tiny germs called influenza viruses cause the flu. It often appears when the weather gets colder, but it can occur at any time of year. It’s not the same as a regular cold. Flu symptoms tend to hit you suddenly, and the signs are usually much stronger, have more serious symptoms and last longer than a common cold.

If you’re older or have health issues like asthma, emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease or diabetes, you might be more likely to get the flu. When you have the flu, you might have a dry cough, terrible muscle aches, a fever and feel exhausted. Headaches are also common. Usually, the flu doesn’t cause vomiting or diarrhea in adults, but you can certainly feel terrible.  

Pneumonia symptoms are serious

The pneumonia respiratory infection is caused by inhaling tiny germs, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Just like with the flu, if you have health problems like asthma, emphysema, heart disease, cancer or diabetes, you might be more likely to get pneumonia. People who smoke also have a higher chance of getting it.

Pneumonia is more common during colder months, but you can get it at any time. If you have pneumonia, you might have respiratory symptoms like a cough with thick mucus, a fever and feel short of breath. You might also feel chest pain when you cough or take a deep breath. These pneumonia symptoms may indicate a more serious illness and you should see a doctor right away.

COVID-19 signs and symptoms

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a type of germ called the coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2. You can get COVID-19 at any time of the year. Older adults, those who haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccination or have other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, are more likely to get very sick from it and may require hospitalization.

Most people with COVID-19 have a dry cough and high fever. They also feel achy and very tired. Some people with COVID-19 also experience loss of their sense of taste and smell. About 1 in 10 people with COVID-19 might even have diarrhea as their first sign, even before they get a fever or cough. We’re continuing to learn new things about this disease. 

COVID-19: More serious than cold or flu

How you feel when you’re sick can be different depending on your age and how healthy you are. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to call your doctor and make an appointment right away.

• Fever higher than 100 degrees Farenheit
• Extreme tiredness
• Body aches
• Headache
• Severe cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain when you take deep breaths
• Shaking, chills or your heart beating faster

It is important to remember that you can spread germs even if you don’t feel sick. These respiratory illnesses are often considered infectious diseases and many require medical treatment, even if it’s just over-the-counter medication. Close contact with others can put them at risk.

How do you get tested?

When you’re not feeling well and visit a doctor, they will often check if you have COVID-19. They can do this with a rapid antigen test, which means they will gently swab the inside of your nose and test the secretions. You can even get these rapid tests at retail stores, pharmacies or by mail to use at home. Sometimes, if someone has COVID-19, they may also receive a chest X-ray to help the doctor better understand their symptoms.

Determining whether you have pneumonia is a different process. The doctor might listen to your breathing and take a special X-ray of your chest. No matter what kind of infection you have, the doctor might give you medicine to help with pain or coughing. They might also give you respiratory treatments to help you breathe more easily. If bacteria are the cause of your sickness, they might give you antibiotics. It is important to always drink plenty of water and get enough rest to help your body recover and heal.

Tips to help you prevent illness

There are things you can do to help keep yourself and the people you care about healthy and prevent infection. The best way to stay healthy is to avoid being around germs that put you at risk. Here are some simple steps to help you stay well and not spread viruses to others:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently. Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of respiratory infection to surfaces or other people.
• Wear a face covering (a high-quality mask like an N95 is preferred) and keep a safe distance (usually six feet) from others when you’re out in public. If you are able, try to stay away from people who are sick and people who don’t live in your home.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when you can’t wash your hands frequently.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

Your vaccination checklist

Even though vaccinations do not provide full protection, they can help stop you from getting seriously sick if you do catch something. They also help prevent germs from spreading to other people. If you become very ill, you may have other health issues that require doctor visits or even a hospital stay. Being sick could also mean you miss out on time with friends and family. If you have any health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes or other chronic conditions, it is important to get your vaccinations to boost your immune system.

Flu shots are important

It’s important to get your flu vaccination every year. These shots are usually available in early fall, and you can get them at your doctor’s office, a public health agency and most brand-name pharmacies.

Pneumonia vaccine for preventing infection

There are different kinds of pneumonia shots. Depending on which ones you’ve had, you might need one or two pneumonia vaccinations after you turn 65, which should protect you for many years.

COVID-19 vaccinations

The COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are highly effective at preventing serious infection from COVID-19. Your doctor can help you understand how often you should get a shot based on which one you receive. Everyone eligible to receive a vaccine or booster shot should do so.

Your vaccinations for flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 are free with Medicare Part B

You can get most vaccines at no cost to you under Medicare Part B. The seasonal flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part D may also cover other vaccines, such as those for shingles and tetanus. Check your Medicare plan to know what your benefits cover.

Getting vaccinated helps protect you and the people around you. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you. Most pharmacies are now giving flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccinations without an appointment. Your doctor’s office usually has the flu and pneumonia shots available, so you can get them at a scheduled checkup or make an appointment.

Cold, flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Do vaccines make you sick with the flu or COVID-19?

No. Some people may feel a little under the weather, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, fevers, upset stomach or aches. However, these feelings usually get better within a few days and are much milder than those associated with having the flu or COVID-19.

People often think that getting a vaccination makes you sick, especially with the flu vaccine. But the mild symptoms you may have are actually a sign that your immune system has already started building its protection, like the body’s reaction to an actual infection.

Do you need the flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine if you are healthy?

Yes. Even if you’re healthy, getting vaccinated helps stop the spread of germs to people with weakened immune systems who may get very sick.

Do you still need to get vaccinated if you have already had the flu or COVID-19?

Yes. Having the sickness before doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from getting it again. You may still be at risk. Flu shots are good for one year. People who have had COVID-19 and received the vaccine often have more protection against the virus than those who have only had the virus, but not the vaccine.

Do you need a flu shot every year?

Yes. The flu virus changes slightly each year, so the vaccine is updated yearly. A flu vaccine helps to protect you from the type of flu that doctors think will be most common that year.

Can you still get the flu or COVID-19 if you’re vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccines are not 100% perfect. However, if you do get sick after getting your shots, your symptoms will likely be less severe. Vaccinations also reduce your risk of spreading the germ to others.

Final thoughts from Dr. T

Treatment for any respiratory illness is important. This article covers four respiratory illnesses. We’ve also compared the symptoms between the flu, cold, pneumonia and COVID-19. Their signs are typically the same with common symptoms, including a stuffy nose, body aches, high fever, cough, sneezing and feeling tired.

If left untreated, these respiratory illnesses may improve on their own, but most doctors recommend that you get an appointment with your health care provider to make sure they treat you for the correct disease. They can make sure there are no complications or different symptoms that may indicate a more serious infection and a greater risk to you.

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