Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19
As COVID-19 and Influenza A & B remains prevalent in our community, many people have questions about the differences between the cold, the flu and the coronavirus; how to know which of these viruses you have; and when to seek medical attention. Although the cold, the flu and COVID-19 viruses have many similarities, there are also some important differences you need to know.
Difference between COVID-19, the flu and a cold |
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| Signs/Symptoms | COVID-19 | Flu | Cold |
| Symptom onset | Varies | Abrupt | Gradual |
| Fever | Often | Often | Rare |
| Cough | Often (usually dry) | Often | Often |
| Aches | Sometimes | Often | Slightly |
| Sneezing/stuffy nose | Sometimes | Sometimes | Often |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Sometimes | Often |
| Chest discomfort/cough | Often | Often | Sometimes |
| Loss of taste and/or smell | Often | Rare | Rare |
| GI issues: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea | Sometimes | Often | Sometimes |
Because symptoms can be so similar, it may be difficult for you and even your medical provider to determine if you have the flu or COVID-19 until you have been tested. You can test at home or in the clinic, call 320-769-4323.
Call your medical provider if
- Your fever is greater than 103 F or is lower and does not improve with medication over 24 to 48 hours
- You’re having trouble keeping food or fluids down
- It hurts to swallow
- Your cough persists for 10 or more days
- Your congestion or headache lingers
- You experience breathing difficulty or chest pain
FREE COVID-19 Tests
You can get four FREE rapid at home COVID-19 tests by visiting https://www.covidtests.gov/. If you need help placing an order for your at-home tests, call the MDH COVID-19 Public hotline at 1-833-431-2053. Health insurance is not required to order your free at-home tests.
- Test anywhere, on your own, with a self-test:
- Buy self-tests at your local pharmacy or other retailers.
- If you have health insurance, ask your pharmacy or health insurance company if they provide tests at no charge to you.
- Carefully follow instructions for self-tests and avoid using expired tests. Visit U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA): At-Home OTC COVID-19 Diagnostic Tests.
- If you don’t have health insurance, Search for No-Cost COVID-19 Testing using the CDC’s testing locator tool.
- Visit a COVID-19 Community Testing site near you.
Antigen Tests
Covid and Influenza tests are available to purchase over the counter at several retail stores. They allow you test at home, without needing a clinic appointment