Over the last few weeks, there have been numerous reports of rising COVID-19 numbers, right as we’re about to head into the flu season. Don’t worry if you feel confused about which is which. It’s true that they have similar symptoms, but Lake Charles Urgent Care is here to help you tell them apart. When it comes to these two illnesses, there are some key differences, which you can see in the table below.
| COVID-19 vs. FLU | ||
| Signs and Symptoms | COVID-19 | Flu |
| Symptom onset | Gradual | Abrupt |
| Chills | Sometimes | Fairly Common |
| Headache | Sometimes | Common |
| Loss of taste | Sometimes | Fairly Common |
As you can see, one of the more common side effects of COVID-19 is loss of taste. Many people who have COVID-19 experience temporary loss of taste, which can be confusing if you aren’t experiencing any other symptoms. While this particular side-effect may not necessarily be unpleasant, if you experience this in conjunction with other symptoms, it may be time to put on your mask, and visit Lake Charles Urgent Care to receive a COVID-19 test.
Another big difference which wasn’t on the table is how you catch it. While both are spread through proximity to others who are infected, people with the flu are usually only contagious within the first day or two and are typically showing symptoms at that time, so it’s easier to avoid them. However, COVID-19 is a bit trickier since a person can catch it and show no signs for several days but still be contagious. That’s why if you think you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID, you should be sure to follow safety precautions and monitor yourself to see if you start showing symptoms.
Lake Charles Urgent Care is here to help you manage your symptoms if you happen to catch either the flu or COVID-19, and also help you take the right steps to avoid them entirely. One good way to do this is to get a flu vaccine, which Lake Charles Urgent Care offers for ages 4 and up. You can either check-in online on our website, or you can simply walk in whenever it’s convenient for you. If you want to learn more or have any questions, contact us.