How To Check If You Have Symptoms:

  1. Use The CDC's Symptom Self-Checker
  2. Use Apple's COVID-19 Screening Tool

Some symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, overlap with those of the common cold, allergies, and the flu. That can make it tricky to diagnose without a test.

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Even President Donald Trump asked pharmaceutical executives earlier this month if the flu vaccine could be used to stop the coronavirus. (The answer is no, but it's still good to get a flu shot to lower the chance that you get the flu and take up crucial healthcare resources.)

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The coronavirus primarily affects the lungs and commonly causes a fever, a dry cough, and shortness of breath.

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Here are the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and how they compare with symptoms of the common cold, the flu, and allergies:

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covid 19 compared to other common conditions table
Shayanne Gal/Business Insider

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Watch for symptoms

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

‍When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

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