Cold, Common Flu, or COVID-19? Symptoms and Vaccine Guide for 2024

By Dr. Priya Sammani

It was an unusual gathering that hadn’t occurred for a while—a viral family reunion. The cold virus, flu virus, and their relatively new cousin, COVID-19, sat around a table, each recounting their exploits. They’d been busy over the years, but the world had learned a lot about them.

“I’m the most reliable,” boasted the common cold. “I show up every year with sneezes, runny noses, and mild fatigue. Sure, I’m annoying, but nothing too serious.”

“Please,” replied the flu virus, with a bit of a dramatic flair. “I’m the one who brings the real drama—fever, muscle aches, coughing. Sometimes, I even cause complications like pneumonia and sinus infections.”

COVID-19, the newest member of the family, sat back and quietly added, “I’ve changed the world. My symptoms overlap with you both—cough, fever, fatigue—but I add my own twist: shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell, and, in some cases, severe lung issues. People confuse me with you, flu, but we both know I can be a game-changer.”

Just then, the door creaked open, and Dr. Priya entered the room. “Looks like you three are still causing problems,” she said, joining the conversation. “But let’s clarify things for the public. It’s time they really understood the difference between all of you and how to protect themselves.”

Understanding the Difference Between the Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

Both the common cold and the flu share a lot of symptoms, which makes them easy to confuse, especially with COVID-19 still in the picture. The flu symptoms can often be more intense than the common cold. Both illnesses may cause:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Body aches
  • General fatigue

However, the flu tends to bring more severe symptoms, such as high fever, chills, and muscle pain, which can make daily activities difficult. In contrast, the common cold usually involves mild discomfort and doesn’t often lead to complications. In addition to these differences, influenza A and influenza B are the two main strains that cause the flu each year, with both capable of causing epidemics. Influenza A tends to be more severe and spreads more rapidly, while influenza B is typically milder but still significant, particularly among children.

For more details on the seasonal flu vaccine, you can visit the CDC’s Key Facts About the Flu Vaccine.

Cold, Flu, and COVID-19: Why Vaccination Still Matters

Dr. Priya looked at the viral family as she spoke to the public. “Flu season is upon us again, from fall to early spring,” she began. “But this year, we also have COVID-19 to contend with, and the viruses are circulating simultaneously. Flu shots are always important, but they’re even more crucial this year.”

The importance of vaccines cannot be overstated. The flu vaccine helps protect against severe illness, and in some cases, it prevents the flu entirely. But even if you get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms are usually much milder. Influenza A symptoms tend to be more intense, including fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, while influenza B symptoms may include similar signs but can vary depending on the individual’s age and health.

The updated COVID-19 vaccines for 2024–2025 are designed to target newer variants like KP.2, which is causing most infections this year. These vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. While some infections may still occur, the vaccines are designed to prevent the worst outcomes.

For further details on the updated COVID-19 vaccines available for 2024–2025, check out this resource from Johns Hopkins.

For anyone over the age of 6 months, both the flu vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine are highly recommended. Getting vaccinated helps protect not just you, but also the people around you, including those who may not be able to get vaccinated for medical reasons.

Symptoms of the Flu (and How They Compare to COVID-19)

Let’s focus on the flu, which tends to cause more severe symptoms than the common cold but may overlap with COVID-19. Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can include:

  • Fever: Most flu-related fevers range from 100°F (37.8°C) to 104°F (40°C), with children often having higher fevers.
  • Cough: A dry, persistent cough can last for up to two weeks.
  • Muscle Aches: Often intense, these pains usually affect the neck, back, arms, and legs.
  • Fatigue: Feeling exhausted is common, and the fatigue can last long after other symptoms have faded.
  • Headache: A headache may accompany other symptoms, along with sensitivity to light and sound.

While the flu generally causes more acute, severe symptoms than the common cold, COVID-19’s unique symptoms—shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, and chest discomfort—can distinguish it from the flu. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional, as tests may be needed to confirm the illness.

How to Get Rid of a Stuffy Nose and Other Common Flu Symptoms

Flu-related congestion can be one of the most frustrating symptoms. To alleviate it:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or herbal teas to thin mucus.
  2. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can ease congestion.
  3. Saline nasal sprays: These can help relieve stuffiness without side effects.
  4. Over-the-counter decongestants: Medications like Tylenol Cold and Flu can relieve congestion, sore throat, and body aches.

For body aches, fevers, and other flu symptoms, Tylenol Cold and Flu products are commonly used. These medications contain ingredients that help alleviate multiple flu symptoms at once, providing relief and allowing you to rest.

Flu Treatment: Antivirals and Home Remedies

If you catch the flu, antivirals like Tamiflu can reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms if taken within 48 hours of the onset of illness. Rest is key, as well as drinking fluids like water, broth, or herbal teas. Warm liquids can help soothe your throat, while staying hydrated keeps your mucus thin and easier to expel. If symptoms become severe, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, it’s essential to seek medical help.

Final Thoughts

As Dr. Priya prepared to leave the viral family reunion, she turned to the trio and smiled. “You all may still be around, but the world is getting smarter about how to handle you. Vaccines, precautions, and awareness—these are the tools we have to keep you in check.”

COVID-19 adjusted its mask, the flu shrugged, and the common cold laughed softly. “We’ll see,” they said in unison, knowing full well that they’d be back next year.

Dr. Priya walked out, confident that people now had the information they needed to protect themselves. And with vaccines on their side, there was a lot more hope.