How to tell if you have the flu, COVID-19, allergies, or something else

• The most common flu symptoms are body aches, chills, cough, fatigue, fever, and headache.
• Less common symptoms of the flu include sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• The only way to know for sure that you have the flu is to get tested at the doctor's office.

The human influenza virus - aka the flu - is highly contagious and is spread through the respiratory system, nose, and throat. This can lead to classic flu symptoms like a cough, stuffy nose, and sore throat.

But many flu-like symptoms can overlap with other conditions like the common cold, allergies, and COVID-19. Here's some helpful tips to determine if you have the flu, or something else.

Symptoms of the flu

The most common symptoms of the flu include:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache

Less common symptoms of the flu include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

It's important to note that symptoms can vary slightly from person to person.

"One person may tell you they had the worst chills of their life, and another may say they coughed for four weeks," says Emily Landon, an epidemiologist at the University of Chicago Medicine.

But if it's the flu, everyone experiences those hallmark symptoms "whether you're 2 or 200."

How do I know if I have the flu?

Your symptoms are a good start to figuring out if you have the flu or something else. Here's a chart comparing the flu with other common illnesses, including the novel coronavirus:

However, the only way to know for sure whether it's the flu is a nasal or throat swab test at the doctor's office.

If you've recently been vaccinated against the flu and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it's still possible that you have it. Because you can still get the flu after a flu shot, though your chances are lower.

Other times, Landon says that people think they have the flu, but they're sick with something else entirely - a fungal infection, bacterial pneumonia, or even a heart attack.

And if you've got a 24-hour case of vomiting or diarrhea: "That's not the flu," she says. "That's probably norovirus or some other winter virus." If that's the case, check out our article on what you can eat to help relieve those symptoms.

People at high risk for the flu

The flu can infect anybody but there are certain populations at higher risk of developing complications from the infection. These demographics include:

• Seniors over the age of 65
• People with diabetes
• People with heart disease or hypertension
• Anyone with a chronic medical condition that leaves them immunocompromised
• Children
• Pregnant women

Pregnant women are considered a high-risk flu group, which is why they should get a flu shot. Flu in the third trimester increases the risk of early labor and makes women more likely to spread the virus to the newborn baby.

"That can be avoided by getting the flu shot, washing your hands, and not being around other people who are sick," Landon says. And don't worry about confusing flu symptoms with general pregnancy discomfort.

"Pregnant misery is one thing. Early on in pregnancy, you may be tired, have nausea, not feel great," Landon says. "You should not have chills, sweats, or fever." If you get the flu or fever when you're pregnant, see your doctor as soon as possible. Physicians can prescribe antiviral medications, which cut down on symptoms, help prevent complications, and take the edge off.

What to do if you feel the flu coming on

If you think you have the flu, stay home and avoid contact with others as the flu is highly contagious.

Most people, who are otherwise healthy, do not need to seek medical care for their symptoms. Instead, take it easy, get rest, reschedule plans, and call in sick from work or school. You should start to feel better in one to two weeks.

If you are around high-risk individuals like newborns or grandparents, it may be beneficial to get tested. Since the flu is highly contagious, knowing whether or not you have it can help prevent its spread.

Finally, testing is especially important for individuals who may be unable to communicate their symptoms effectively like children or those with dementia.

Insider's takeaway

There are many symptoms of the flu that can overlap with other illnesses like COVID-19, allergies, and the common cold. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what's making you feel ill.

However, if you are otherwise healthy, it's important that you stay home to avoid potentially infecting anyone else. The flu typically lasts one to two weeks, so if you're experiencing worsening symptoms after two weeks you should consult a doctor.

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