Flu season has officially arrived, and although influenza should always be taken seriously, this year it is being overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic. It’s easy to understand why COVID-19 is diverting so many people’s attention from flu when you consider that influenza is a longstanding and well-known enemy, while COVID-19 is a brand-new and mysterious threat.
Even so, influenza remains a very real health risk, with many more people currently testing positive for flu than for COVID-19. Further complicating matters is the fact that both contagious viruses can produce similar symptoms.
Flu vs. Coronavirus – Which Is It?
If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, there is only one way to rule out COVID-19 as the cause with certainty: You need to see a medical provider who can provide an accurate diagnosis based on appropriate testing. If you are concerned that you may be infected with COVID-19, come to South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, Florida, where you can receive a COVID-19 test on your schedule. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Fever, chills, and body aches
- A persistent dry cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Unexplained fatigue
Additionally, a new loss of taste or smell is a symptom of COVID-19 that is not generally associated with flu. Another key factor is the intensity of your symptoms. In many cases, COVID-19 produces only very mild symptoms, and sometimes none at all. On the other hand, with the flu, you can go from feeling fine to feeling like you were hit by a truck within a very short timeframe—sometimes less than 30 minutes. Your fever, cough, headache, and sore throat may last for a few days, but your fatigue can linger for weeks.
Your Next Step
If you have a flu-like illness, entrust your health to South Tampa Immediate Care. We’ll help you get to the bottom of it! You can stop by our walk-in clinic in Tampa, FL, at your convenience, or book a virtual visit online. Either way, you will receive personalized medical advice from an experienced provider, who can screen you for COVID-19, let you know if testing is appropriate, and suggest a treatment plan to help you feel better.
