Cold vs. Flu vs. Allergies vs. COVID-19

Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Allergies

COVID-19

(can range from moderate to severe)

Fever

Rare

High (100-102 F), Can last 3-4 days

Never

Common

Headache

Rare

Intense

Uncommon

Can be present

General aches, pains

Slight

Usual, often severe

Never

Can be present

Fatigue, weakness

Mild

Intense, can last up to 2-3 weeks

Sometimes

Can be present

Extreme exhaustion

Never

Usual (starts early)

Never

Can be present

Stuffy/runny nose

Common

Sometimes

Common

Has been reported

Sneezing

Usual

Sometimes

Usual

Has been reported

Sore throat

Common

Common

Sometimes

Has been reported

Cough

Mild to moderate

Common, can become severe

Sometimes

Common

Shortness of breath

Rare

Rare

Rare, except for those with allergic asthma

In more serious infections