By understanding the differences between these illnesses and taking advantage of convenient health care options, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and support the health care system during this busy season.
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Graphic: Jody Potter With flu season in full swing, health systems across the country are bracing for an influx of patients with common illnesses. Understanding the key differences between influenza, COVID-19, and the common cold is essential to reducing the burden on healthcare workers and ensuring appropriate treatment.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent the flu or minimize its symptoms, get vaccinated and practice good hygiene. If you have COVID-19, the flu, or a cold, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications can help manage your symptoms.
“It’s really important that we all think about prevention and staying healthy together,” said Rachel Lee, MD, chief medical epidemiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “That’s our goal this year, and one of the ways we’re going to do that is through vaccines.”
Main difference:
• COVID-19: Symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, sore throat, headache, and sometimes shortness of breath.
• Influenza: The onset of the disease is sudden, often accompanied by fever, muscle aches, and cough, and usually lasts about a week.
• Common cold: It develops gradually and has mild symptoms but no fever.
• Allergies: No fever, runny or stuffy nose, often caused by seasonal factors.
Lee said there is a specific time when they usually recommend getting these vaccines, and that’s right at the beginning of the respiratory phase.
“These are really wonderful times,” she said. “The antibodies generated from these vaccines should protect us through the respiratory virus season.
Convenient care options
UAB eMedicine offers two convenient ways to get diagnosed and treated for common illnesses such as colds, flu, and sinus infections in the comfort of your own home.
Online Survey: Fill out the form for $25 and receive your diagnosis and treatment plan within 1 hour (during business hours). Urgent Care Video Visit: Speak face-to-face with a doctor for $59. Wait time is less than 10 minutes. Prescriptions can be sent electronically.
By understanding the differences between these illnesses and taking advantage of convenient health care options, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and support the health care system during this busy season.
