If you start to feel sick, it can become more difficult to know what your symptoms point to as we enter peak flu season.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Boulder explains the differences and similarities between COVID-19 and the flu below, so keep reading!

How Can I Tell If I Have the Flu?

The flu and the coronavirus share similar symptoms, but they also share some key differences. Typically unlike COVID-19, flu symptoms come on hard and fast.

If you experience a sudden onset of the symptoms we’ve listed below, it’s important to get tested for COVID-19 first, due to this virus still being more contagious and dangerous than the flu. If you test negative for COVID-19, you likely have the flu.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Joint and muscle aches
• Pain and tiredness around the eyes
• Weakness or extreme fatigue
• Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Fever

How Do I Know If I Have COVID-19?

Like we said earlier, it can be difficult to tell what virus you’re experiencing when you start to experience symptoms, due to the fact that COVID-19 and the flu share similar symptoms. It’s still possible, however.

Experts say that one of the most telling signs of COVID-19 is a new loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms, including some of the ones we’ve listed below, it’s important to schedule a COVID-19 test to get an accurate diagnosis.

Other Symptoms of COVID-19

• Cough
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Headaches

Do you need to be tested for COVID-19 or the flu? If so, remember to schedule an appointment on our website first! Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team is here for you now and always, so don’t hesitate to stop by or call today.