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 Lake Urgent Care/Lake After Hours. Below are some of the most common symptoms of each of these irritating illnesses.
Cold vs. Flu Vs. COVID-19
| Symptoms | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Cough | Yes (wet) | Yes (dry) | Yes (dry) |
| Fever | Yes (mild) | Yes (moderate to severe) | Yes (mild to severe) |
| Fatigue | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Soreness | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vomiting | No | Yes | Yes |
| Diarrhea | No | No | Yes |
| Loss of Taste | No | No | Yes |
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.
Lake Urgent Care/Lake After Hours Is Here For You
Lake Urgent Care/Lake After Hours offers Rapid COVID-19 testing at any of it’s 19 clinics in the Baton Rouge area. Rapid tests tell patients whether they are positive or negative for COVID-19 in less than 15 minutes. Lake Urgent Care/Lake After Hours clinics 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.