Is It the Flu or COVID-19? Here’s How to Tell

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we want our patients to be well-informed about seasonal illnesses like the flu (influenza).

Main Symptoms of the Flu:

● Fever or chills: A high fever is one of the most common signs of the flu and may be accompanied by chills.

● Cough: The flu often presents with a dry, persistent cough, which can be bothersome and disruptive.

● Sore throat: A sore throat can develop suddenly, making swallowing painful and uncomfortable.

● Body aches and muscle pain: Many individuals experience widespread aches and soreness, especially in the back, arms, and legs.

● Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness are common, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks.

● Headache: A headache, often severe, can accompany the flu, contributing to overall discomfort.

● Runny or stuffy nose: Nasal congestion or a runny nose can also occur, similar to a common cold but typically more intense.

● Shortness of breath: In more severe cases, difficulty breathing or a tight chest may develop, signaling potential complications.

● Nausea or vomiting: While less common in adults, nausea and vomiting are more frequent in children with the flu.

● Diarrhea: This is another symptom more commonly seen in children during a flu infection.

The flu can affect people differently, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It’s important to rest, stay hydrated, and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or if you’re at high risk for complications. At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, Dr. Yulia Neyman and the team are ready to provide the care and support you need during flu season, ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment for a swift recovery.

The flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms, such as fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, and sore throat, making it difficult to tell them apart based on symptoms alone. However, there are some differences in how the illnesses present. For example, COVID-19 may cause a loss of taste or smell, which is uncommon with the flu. Additionally, COVID-19 symptoms may develop more gradually, while the flu often comes on suddenly with more intense symptoms.

Another way to differentiate the two is by considering exposure risk. COVID-19 is highly contagious and spreads quickly in community settings, while the flu is more seasonal and typically spreads during the colder months. If you’ve had close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 or if you’re experiencing more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, it could indicate COVID-19 rather than the flu.

The best way to confirm whether you have the flu or COVID-19 is by getting tested. At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, Dr. Yulia Neyman and the team offer accurate diagnostic testing for both illnesses. We can guide you on the appropriate next steps for treatment and isolation if necessary, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we want our patients to stay informed and protected during both flu season and periods of increased COVID-19 activity. It is possible to be infected with both the flu (influenza) and COVID-19 at the same time—a situation called co-infection. Both are respiratory illnesses that spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Having both infections together can be especially hard on your body and may increase the risk of complications, particularly for older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, or those with weakened immune systems. The symptoms of flu and COVID-19 often overlap—fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and sometimes loss of taste or smell—so it can be difficult to know which illness you have without testing.

If you or your family members develop symptoms that could be due to either the flu or COVID-19, we recommend scheduling an appointment at Carrboro Family Medicine Center for evaluation and testing. Accurate diagnosis is important to ensure proper treatment and to reduce the spread to others in our community.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we understand that COVID-19 affects each individual differently. The duration of COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, depending on factors such as your age, overall health, vaccination status, and the severity of your infection.

For most people with mild cases, symptoms typically appear within 2 to 14 days after exposure and may last about one to two weeks. Common symptoms—such as fever, cough, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell—often improve during this time. However, it’s not uncommon for some patients to experience lingering issues, like fatigue or a cough, for several weeks after the initial illness.

In moderate to severe cases, symptoms may persist for three weeks or longer, especially if hospitalization is required. Some individuals, even after recovering from the acute illness, can experience ongoing symptoms known as “long COVID” or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). These symptoms may include shortness of breath, brain fog, joint pain, and persistent fatigue, and can last for months.

If you are experiencing ongoing or worsening COVID-19 symptoms, the team at Carrboro Family Medicine Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive evaluation, symptom management, and support for both acute COVID-19 and long COVID. Our providers are dedicated to guiding you through recovery with personalized care plans tailored to your needs.

Dr. Yulia Neyman at Carrboro Family Medicine Center is the right choice for diagnosing the flu versus COVID-19 due to her expertise and experience as a board-certified family medicine physician. With her extensive knowledge of both respiratory illnesses, she can accurately evaluate symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to differentiate between the two conditions. Dr. Neyman stays up-to-date with the latest guidelines and testing protocols, ensuring that each patient receives the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, Dr. Neyman provides personalized, patient-centered care, taking the time to explain the differences between the flu and COVID-19. She ensures that patients understand the importance of testing and offers guidance on the next steps for treatment or quarantine if necessary. Her compassionate approach to patient care makes her the trusted expert in providing the best care during flu and COVID-19 seasons.

For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients from Carrboro NC, Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, Pittsboro NC, and surrounding areas.