Why your sniffle might be more than just a cold

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on January 19th, 2026.

You wake up with a scratchy throat or stuffy nose and wonder, “Do I have a cold or something worse?” Sometimes symptoms of viral illnesses can be confusing because many of them overlap, and viruses can change from season to season.

While common cold symptoms, flu symptoms, and current COVID symptoms can look similar at first, each illness carries different risks and treatments. This article will guide you through how to tell whether it’s a cold, the flu, or COVID-19, clarify cold symptoms vs sinus infection, and help you decide when testing or medical care is needed.

Viruses at a glance - cold vs flu vs COVID-19

The main differences between the main respiratory illnesses, specifically the flu vs a cold vs COVID, include the viruses that cause them and the severity of the symptoms.

• The “common cold.” Caused by different viruses (most often rhinoviruses).
• The “flu.” Caused by influenza viruses.
• COVID-19. Caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
  

Because the cause is different, each illness can differ in severity, duration, and risk, so knowing which one you have can influence how you respond. 

All of these viruses are spread through droplets when you are near a contagious person who is coughing, sneezing, or talking. They are less commonly spread through contaminated surfaces.

Common symptoms - but with key differences

When comparing cold vs flu or cold vs COVID, many symptoms overlap, making it difficult to identify the illness based on how you feel alone. Common cold symptoms, flu symptoms, and current COVID symptoms can all include fatigue, congestion, sore throat, and cough, so symptoms by themselves don’t always tell the full story.

The severity of the symptoms can also vary depending on the individual. Some people experience mild infections or very severe illnesses, particularly with COVID or the flu. Risk level depends on recent exposure to sick contacts, underlying health conditions, age, and vaccination status.

How to care for yourself (and others) - prevention & smart habits

While you can’t prevent every illness, you can help support immune health so that if you do get sick, you can recover faster. Basic hygiene is the foundation of immune health. Wash hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and sanitize frequently touched surfaces.

Staying home when you’re sick helps prevent spreading illness to others and gives your body the rest it needs to recover. Keep up to date with recommended vaccines, including seasonal flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. 

Finally, supporting your immune system with consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress management can reduce both the severity and duration of respiratory illnesses.

When to test or get medical help

If you are not feeling well from the cold or flu symptoms, you may want to know what you are sick with so you can find faster relief. 

Start by seeing a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms and determine the right test. Testing can be helpful when symptoms point toward flu or COVID-19, such as fever, body aches, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell. 

It’s also important to consider testing if you’ve recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or the flu, especially if you are in a high-risk group, including older adults or those who are immunocompromised.

While most respiratory illnesses get better with rest and hydration, seek medical care right away if you have difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain or pressure, confusion, or bluish lips or face. You should also see a doctor or urgent care if symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days, or if you are at high risk for complications.

Most mild illnesses can be managed at home, using rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. With the flu, antiviral medications may be recommended in some cases, particularly when started early. If you have any concerns or your symptoms are getting worse, a healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best treatment to help you feel better. 

FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions about the cold vs flu vs COVID-19.

1. How can I tell if I have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?

It’s often hard to tell based on symptoms alone because common cold symptoms, flu symptoms, and current COVID symptoms overlap, which is why testing is recommended. 

2. When should I get tested for COVID-19, the flu, or a cold?

Testing is recommended if your symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, or if you’ve been exposed to someone who is sick and are at high risk.

3. Can I just wait it out if I think it’s a cold?

Yes, mild common cold symptoms can usually be managed at home with rest, fluids, and time, as long as symptoms do not get worse.

4. How long should I stay home if I have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?

You should stay home while you have a fever or feel unwell and until symptoms start improving to reduce the risk of spreading illness. Additionally, you need to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to work or school.