What's the Difference?: COVID-19, Flu, Allergies and the Common Cold

COVID-19, flu, allergies and the common cold: What are the differences?

COVID-19, the flu and the common cold are all contagious respiratory diseases caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the flu is caused by influenza A and B viruses whereas the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. These viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same signs and symptoms. Meanwhile, seasonal allergies aren’t caused by a virus. Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens, yet they cause many of the same signs and symptoms as COVID-19, the flu and the common cold. 

Treatment

Treatment for the common cold may include pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants. Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually harmless. Most people recover from a common cold in three to 10 days. While there is only one antiviral treatment for COVID-19, there are several antiviral drugs that can be used to treat the flu. Also, you can get an annual flu vaccine to help reduce your risk of the flu. Treatment of seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants,and avoidance of exposure to allergens where possible.

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