Covid vs. the Flu
Why get the flu shot?
Booking Your Flu Shot
Learn More About Influenza
Local Health Authority Guidelines
Knowing the Difference of COVID-19 and the Flu
At RxHealthMed, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of your health and wellness. Especially as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s flu season. While it is important to closely monitor your health for changes, it can be helpful for you to know what symptoms to look out for, especially for influenza and COVID-19, as they both have a range of differences and similarities.
What are the Symptoms of the Flu?
The flu can include a variety of symptoms that usually last for 7-14 days. Symptoms often include:
Common Symptoms
- Cough, which can often be severe
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches, which can often be severe
- Body aches and pains
- Malaise (feeling unwell)
Less Common Symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea (more often in children)
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
The symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe, often lasting for 7-25 days. Symptoms can include the following, but vary greatly from person to person:
Common Symptoms
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches and pains
- Malaise (feeling unwell)
Less Common Symptoms
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- New loss of taste or smell
- Chest pain or pressure
- Rash or discolouration of fingers or toes (more often in children)
- Nausea or vomiting (more often in children)
How to Tell COVID-19 and the Flu Apart
The symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 have a range of similarities and differences alike. While you can look out for the symptoms of both, the best way to determine if you have COVID-19 is through a test at your local testing centre or with help from your doctor.
With influenza, unlikely symptoms to experience include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a new loss of taste or smell, chest pain or pressure, rash or discolouration of fingers or toes, nausea, or vomiting. While these symptoms are not often associated with influenza, they can be experienced with COVID-19. With COVID-19 it’s unlikely that you will experience symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue, and headaches.
The symptoms of influenza and COVID-19 may differ from person to person. If you feel unwell or experience symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home to self isolate, monitor your health closely and contact a healthcare professional.
How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Get Your Flu Shot
The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. Not only can it help to prevent you from getting sick from the flu, but it can also help to reduce the risk of you spreading it to others. You can book an appointment at your nearest participating RxHealthMed pharmacy for the 2020-2021 influenza vaccine.
Practice Proper Hand Hygiene
Limit the spread of germs by washing your hands regularly. You should wash your hands with warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer can provide an adequate solution if hand washing is not readily available.
Eat a Healthy Diet and Exercise
A well-balanced and healthy diet can help to strengthen your immune system. Take a look at the Health Canada Food Guide for more information or help getting started. Citrus fruits, broccoli and spinach can all aid a strong immune system. Engage in regular physical activity by going for walks, yoga, cycling, participating in a sport, or doing some yard work.
