COVID-19 vs. the Flu vs. the Common Cold

Symptoms

All three viruses can cause illness ranging from mild to severe. Because symptoms often overlap, it can be hard to tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 without testing.

If you experience symptoms, call the UNO Health Center at 402.554.2374 for evaluation and possible testing.

Difference between COVID-19, the flu and a cold

Signs/Symptoms	COVID-19	Flu	Cold
Symptom onset	Varies	Abrupt	Gradual
Fever	Often	Often	Rare
Cough	Often (usually dry)	Often	Often
Aches	Sometimes	Often	Slightly
Sneezing/stuffy nose	Rare	Sometimes	Often
Sore throat	Sometimes	Sometimes	Often
Chest discomfort/cough	Often	Often	Sometimes
Los of taste/smell	Often	Rare	Rare

Treatment

Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, so they won’t help with colds, the flu and COVID-19, which are viral infections. Over-the-counter items can help manage symptoms, and getting plenty of rest and fluids supports recovery.

Antiviral medications for COVID-19 or the flu are typically prescribed only for people at higher risk, such as older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms and Over-The-Counter Medications

Symptom	Over-the-counter medication	Instructions
Fever, sore throat and/or pain relief	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) OR Aleve OR Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	200mg, one to two tabs every six to eight hours One tab every 12 hours 325mg, one to two tabs every six hours (no more than eight tabs per day)
Congestion of sinuses, ears and/or chest	Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed 12 hour) Only available behind the counter at pharmacies	Take as directed on the label
Allergy symptoms or mild congestion	Diphenhydramine 25mg (Benadryl) Loratadine (Claritin) Cetirizine (Zyrtec)	One to two tabs every six hours One tab daily
Excess mucus	Guaifenesin (Mucinex) Guaifenesin/Pseudoephedrine (Mucinex D) Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan (Mucinex DM)	One tab every 12 hours D = a decongestant DM = a cough suppressant
Cough	Dextromethorphan (Delsym 12h) Guaifenesin/Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM)	Take as directed on the label
Dry sinuses	Nasal saline washes/sprays	Take as directed on the label

When to See the Doctor

Call the UNO Health Center if…

• Your fever is greater than 103°F and does not improve with medication over 24 to 48 hours.
• You’re having trouble keeping food or fluids down.
• It hurts to swallow.
• Your cough persists for 10 or more days.
• Your congestion or headache lingers.
• You experience breathing difficulty or chest pain.

Learn about your after-hours options.

If you have questions about your symptoms or think you need to see the doctor, call the phone nurse: 402.554.2374

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Preventative Care Tips

• Get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines every year (free for students at the health center).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with ethyl alcohol.
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces like your cellphone, laptop, light switches and door handles.
• Toss used tissues right away and don’t reuse them.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes to help prevent the spread of germs.
• Don’t share drinks or food, and keep items like cellphones, remotes, and laptops to yourself.

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Self-Care Tips

• Keep an eye on your symptoms and stay home if you are feeling sick.
• Buy over-the-counter supplies to help you manage symptoms.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Rest as much as possible.
• Always read medication labels carefully and never double up on doses.
• Get emergency medical care if symptoms are severe (chest pain, shortness of breath or a fever over 103°F).