Is It the Seasonal Flu?
Compare your symptoms or use our Symptom
Checker for more help.
| Symptoms | COVID-19* | Cold | Flu | Allergies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common (measured at 100°F or higher) | Rare | High (100° – 102°F), can last 3 – 4 days | Rare |
| Headache | Sometimes | Rare | Intense | Sometimes |
| General aches, pains | Sometimes | Slight | Common (often severe) | Rare |
| Fatigue, weakness | Sometimes | Slight | Common (often severe) | Sometimes |
| Extreme exhaustion | Sometimes (progresses slowly) | Rare | Common (starts early) | Rare |
| Stuffy nose | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore throat | Rare | Common | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Common | Mild to moderate | Common (can become severe) | Sometimes |
| Shortness of breath | In more serious infections | Rare | Rare | Common |
| Runny nose | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Diarrhea | Sometimes | Rare | Sometimes** | Rare |
If viewing this chart on your phone, scroll to the left to see all symptoms.
*COVID-19 information is still evolving.
**This symptom is specific to children.
Sources: CDC, WHO, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.