LEE COUNTY, Fla — Is it the flu or COVID-19?
That's a question many of us may ask ourselves as we enter the flu season.
But is there a way we can tell the difference?
Health experts tell FOX 4 the only sure way to know is to get tested.
But some key symptoms are different.
Coughing and sneezing are all a common sight as we enter flu season, but this year you might be wondering if your symptoms are the result of the Influenza or COVID-19.
Physician Assistant Director at Florida Gulf Coast University, Robert Hawkes, says both share very similar symptoms.
"Because they're both viruses, the do both tend to present fairly similar in the muscle aches, the fever, in the overall fatigue, tired," said Hawkes.
But there are differences among the highly contagious respiratory illnesses.
"One of the differences between COVID and Flu is that with COVID patients, sometimes the patient will complain of having loss of sense of smell or taste," said Cathy Brockman, Director of Nursing at Healthcare Network.
But health experts say not everyone that contracts COVID-19 experiences that symptom.
"It doesn't happen in all COVID cases, so just because they haven't lost it, we can't say oh you don't have COVID," said Hawkes.
When it comes to a cold, health experts say colds will typically be easier to distinguish from flu and COVID-19.
"A cold my have kind of a more runny nose, kind of more of that nasal congestion, a little bit more sneezing, generally less of a fever and less of fatigue," said Hawkes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is also a difference in their incubation period.
For the flu, it's about one to four days from exposure, while with COVID-19, the incubation period can be between two days to two weeks.
"They are two separate viruses, so, in theory, you could have both simultaneously," said Hawkes.
To avoid overwhelming hospitals, health experts are encouraging people to get the flu shot.
"You really want to get it prior to November because it does take a few weeks to take effect, typically the prime flu season will start in January," said Hawkes. "We want to make sure, this year especially, that everyone is adequately prepared so that we don't have a large influx of influenza coincide with COVID."
And if you or someone in your household begins to have any of the symptoms, you should stay home and avoid others until 24 hours after your fever is gone unless you need medical care.
"What you should do is call your family doctor, your primary care provider, and be seen and evaluated," said Brockman.
If you must see another person during that time, you must wear a mask.
"The safest thing to do if you are sick with either the flu or covid-19 is to stay home, because either one, either virus can be easily spread," said Hawkes.
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