We start fretting about large and small things as COVID-19 bites deeply into our society. A runny nose sets our alarm bells ringing. If we cough dryly our eyes moisten as we wonder could this be the beginning. The University of Alabama provides the graphic to help us determine whether we have common colds, allergies, flu or COVID-19.
Common Colds, Allergies, Flu and Covid-19 Are Piling on Stress
The University of Alabama is concerned many health care systems are overrun with patients experiencing common colds, allergies, and flu. While COVID-19 patients may be receiving less attention than they should get. If you have the virus you may show some or all of fever, runny nose, dry cough, fatigue, and body aches.
However, the unique discriminator may be shortness of breath. A simultaneous body temperature 100.4 degrees fahrenheit (38.0 celsius) or higher suggests you may be seriously ill.
However, you may have potentially less serious flu if you have some or all of the following. They are fever, runny nose, dry cough, fatigue, body aches, headaches and sore throat. Children particularly, may also display vomiting and diarrhea. Flu comes on suddenly, unlike colds.
Life’s Lesser Irritations: Allergies and Colds to Bother Us
Common colds and allergies are less serious conditions compared to flu and COVID-19. Common colds are also virus infections, but they creep up on us gradually. You may have a cold if you display some or all of stuffy nose, cough and a sore throat. These are less burdensome than with flu, but you may feel out-off-sorts and tired.
Seasonal allergies are the odd case out among common colds, allergies, and flu. That’s because they are not viral infections. They are immune responses to a substance, especially pollen, fur, or a food for which a particular person is hypersensitive.
We can respond accordingly when we know the differences. The University of Alabama appeals to ill people to stay away from hospitals until they receive a call, Phone your medical provider before visiting a clinic, doctor’s office or emergency room. Help the health system cope with the surge instead.
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Preview Image: Colds, Allergies, Flu and Covid-19
