Spot the differences between cold, flu and COVID-19

As colder weather arrives, this year understanding the differences between COVID-19, the common cold and the flu might be tricky.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever (usually high), severe dry cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, aches/pains, headaches, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.

Typical cold symptoms include runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat, aches/pains, mild cough and fatigue, often without fever.

Flu symptoms hit hard and fast including fever, chills, dry cough, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, aches/pains, fatigue, and diarrhea. Unlike colds and COVID-19, vaccinations can help prevent the flu. Testing may be needed to confirm diagnosis.

– Abby Watkins, The Atlanta 100