Cold or the flu? Or COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to having a cold or the flu.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• a cough
• a fever (temperature of 38˚C or higher)
• shortness of breath
• a sore throat
• sneezing and runny nose
• temporary loss of smell
• upset stomach, possible with diarrhoea (runny poo) or vomiting (being sick).

If you have any of these symptoms, get tested for COVID-19.

A cold is a mild illness lasting 1 to 2 weeks, although some symptoms can last longer, eg, a cough.

• Early symptoms can include a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, mild fever.
• After a few days, snot usually becomes thicker and may turn a greenish or yellowish colour.
• It doesn't usually involve muscle pain.
• It can include a mild headache (congested sinuses).It can include a cough.

Complications can include sinus congestion and ear infection.

The flu (influenza) is a moderate to severe illness with sudden onset of symptoms lasting 7 to 10 days.

• There can be sudden onset of:
  • fever (temperature of 38°C or higher)
  • shivering
  • muscle aches
  • extreme tiredness
  • headache, sometimes severe
• It can include a dry cough that can become moist
• Bed rest is needed.
• The cough and tiredness can last for weeks after the rest of the illness is over.

Possible complications are bronchitis and pneumonia.

• Rest at home.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• If you have a sore throat, suck a teaspoon of honey or gargle with salt water. Adults can also try using a gargle, throat spray or pain-relief (anaesthetic) lozenges. Don't give honey to children under 12 months old.
• For a blocked or runny nose ask your pharmacist about decongestants and saline nasal sprays.
• For a cough sip a lemon and honey drink or ask your pharmacist about cough lozenges or medicines that may be suitable for you. Cough medicine doesn’t cure a cough but may give you some relief.
• For aches and pains try paracetamol OR cold and flu medicines (check doses carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist what is safe for you).

You can treat most colds and flu-like illnesses with rest and self-care at home, but you need to know when to seek medical help.

Image credit: Te Whatu Ora

Phone your medical clinic for advice if you:

• are not getting better
• are pregnant
• have diabetes or a health condition affecting your breathing, heart or immune system
• are aged 65 or older
• have a sore throat and are Māori or Pacific Peoples aged 3–35 years
• are concerned or not sure what to do.

If you are unsure what to do phone Healthline(external link) free on 0800 611 116 or your doctor for advice.

Vaccination is the best way to avoid getting COVID-19 and the flu. Read more about COVID vaccination and flu vaccination.

Other things you can do to stop the spread:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds and dry them well.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Don’t share toothbrushes, cups, food utensils or towels.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces, like doorknobs, often.
• Stay home if you're sick and avoid close contact with others.