SYMPTOMS
- fever or chills
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- aches and pains
- headache
- congestion or runny nose
- sore throat
- loss of sense of smell and taste
- diarrhea
- nausea
| Signs | COVID-19 | Cold | Flu | Allergies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Common | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Dry cough | Common | Mild | Common | Sometimes |
| Difficulty breathing | Common | No | No | Common |
| Headaches | Sometimes | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Chills and shaking from chills | Sometimes | No | Sometimes | No |
| Aches and pains | Sometimes | Common | Common | No |
| Sore throat | Sometimes | Common | Common | No |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Rare | No | Sometimes | No |
| Runny nose | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sneezing | No | Common | No | Common |
| Sense of smell changed | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Sense of taste changed | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Sources: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), WHO, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Yes. You can have the flu and other viral infections at the same time as COVID-19.
If you are experiencing severe flu symptoms, contact your provider within the first 48 hours. Your provider will let you know what medication you can take.
Loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia) were not listed on the CDC’s symptom list as possible symptoms of COVID-19, but anecdotal evidence from across the world has shown that both are associated with active COVID-19 infection.
Anosmia and ageusia can come on suddenly and can be the only symptom. It may also be associated with fever or other symptoms, but is not consistently associated with other nasal symptoms, such as runny nose or congestion. It is thought to be a result of damage to neurons or receptors that are responsible for smell and taste. It is not known how long these symptoms will last. For some, the loss of smell and taste can persist for days or weeks; for others, it can be permanent. More research is needed to fully understand the exact cause and duration.
Still, loss of smell might help doctors identify people who do not have other signs of COVID-19, but who might be infected with COVID-19—and who might be unknowingly infecting others.
It is thought that your body will develop an immunity to COVID-19, and if you did have the virus, the likelihood of getting sick from it again is low.
Scientists are quickly learning about COVID-19 and there is much to learn.
To best answer your questions about pregnancy and COVID-19, stay connected with your OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist) or primary care provider (PCP).
Scientists are learning more about how COVID-19 affects pregnant women.
Here’s what we know about COVID-19 and pregnancy right now.
- Pregnant women are not more likely to get infected with COVID-19.
- Pregnant women who get respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, are at a higher risk for serious health conditions.
- Health experts recommend following good hand hygiene and social distancing. Some doctors suggest 12 weeks of self-isolation as an added precaution, if you are able. Learn how to protect yourself.
- A small study of pregnant women in China with confirmed COVID-19 found no evidence of the virus in their breast milk, cord blood, or amniotic fluid.