Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most asked questions this time of year was, “Is a cold or is it the flu?”  Fast-forward to today when COVID-19’s Omicron variant is running rampant and the question that could easily be asked is, “Is it COVID-19, the flu or just a bad cold?” 

Let’s Clear Up The COLD-VID Confusion!

Like a cold and the flu, it can be hard to know the difference. Add COVID-19 to the mix and there’s another illness symptoms that are very similar to the flu and colds. Because the symptoms for Covid can be mild like a cold, largely in people who are vaccinated, it can be even more complicated to know when it may be time to see a doctor and get tested.  

Here are some signs you can look at to help gauge whether you simply need some rest, or a visit to your local St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care. Below are some of the most common symptoms of each of these irritating illnesses.

Cold vs. Flu Vs. COVID-19

SymptomsColdFluCOVID-19
CoughYes (wet)Yes (dry)Yes (dry)
FeverYes (mild)Yes (moderate to severe)Yes (mild to severe)
FatigueYesYesYes
SorenessNoYesYes
VomitingNoYesYes
DiarrheaNoNoYes
Loss of TasteNoNoYes

Covid-19 shares a lot of the same symptoms as both the cold and flu, so it may be worthwhile to go take a test just to be safe. This is especially true for anyone who has been exposed to COVID at some point within the last two weeks.

St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care Is Here For You

St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care offers Rapid COVID-19 testing at any of it’s 8 centers in both Georgia and South Carolina. Rapid tests tell patients whether they are positive or negative for COVID-19 in less than 15 minutes. St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care centers are also set up to ensure that you get the best treatment possible. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms including difficulty breathing, high fever, uncontrollable vomiting, diarrhea, or bleeding, you may be experiencing a medical emergency. Call 911 and go immediately to the nearest ER.

If you just want to find out whether its COVID-19, the flu or a bad cold, walk-in to any one of our locations. If there is a wait, you can also reduce the time it takes to see a clinician by reserving your place in line on your computer or mobile device before you even leave your home. Click here to check-in online.