Seasonal Fever, Flu or Covid-19? How to Tell the Difference, Expert Explains

With the arrival of winter, bouts of fever, sore throats, and runny noses become all too common. While many dismiss these symptoms as a simple seasonal viral, the overlapping signs of influenza and Covid-19 have made it harder for people to tell what’s really behind their illness. The fear of mistaking one for another often leads to confusion and anxiety, especially when symptoms persist.

To clear the air, Dr Meenakshi Jain, Principal Director & HOD, Internal Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, explains how to differentiate between seasonal viral fever, flu, and Covid-19, and when it’s time to seek medical help.

Seasonal Fever, Flu or Covid-19 Symptoms

According to Dr Jain, seasonal viral fever usually presents with mild to moderate symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, headache, and body aches. It often resolves on its own within a week with adequate rest and hydration.

The flu (influenza), on the other hand, tends to strike suddenly and more severely. “High fever, chills, body aches, and extreme fatigue are telltale signs of influenza,” Dr Jain notes. “In vulnerable individuals, like the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, the flu can sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia.”

Covid-19, though milder now in many cases, continues to pose risks. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell, the latter being a distinguishing factor.

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Seasonal Fever, Flu or Covid-19? How to Tell the Difference

• Loss of taste or smell: More specific to Covid-19
• Shortness of breath: Seen in both severe flu and Covid-19
• Body aches and fatigue: Prominent in flu
• Sneezing and runny nose: Common in seasonal viral fever

“Accurate diagnosis often requires testing,” Dr Jain emphasises. Covid-19 can be confirmed through RT-PCR or rapid antigen tests, while rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) or molecular assays can help detect the flu. Seasonal viral infections, however, are usually diagnosed clinically, as specific tests aren’t always available.

Dr Jain advises seeking medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a week, or if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or high fever. People with underlying health conditions, older adults, and young children should be especially cautious.

While most seasonal infections are self-limiting, understanding their differences helps you take timely precautions and treatment. As Dr Jain concludes, “Don’t self-diagnose. If symptoms escalate or overlap, consult a healthcare professional to rule out complications.”

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