COVID-19 FAQ

What is the difference between COVID-19 and the common cold?

Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. These viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same signs and symptoms.

How do I know if I have COVID-19 or the flu?

COVID-19 often causes symptoms similar to those in people with a severe cold or flu. As with the flu, symptoms can worsen and be life-threatening.

So far, the number of flu cases has been much lower than usual, likely due to heightened public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID.

So, for now, people with « flu-like » symptoms should assume they have COVID. This means isolating and contacting your doctor or local health board to arrange for a test.

How are flu and COVID-19 similar?

Both COVID-19 and the flu can have signs and symptoms of varying degrees, from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to severe symptoms. Common symptoms shared by COVID-19 and the flu include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• sore throat

Can ibuprofen worsen symptoms of coronavirus disease?

CDC is currently unaware of scientific evidence linking NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening COVID-19.

Are the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu different?

COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a new type of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, while influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses.

Common Cold – What is a Cold – What is a Virus – Viral Infections

38 related questions found

How is COVID-19 different from other coronaviruses?

The virus that causes the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2, is part of the larger family of coronaviruses. Coronaviruses often cause mild to moderate upper respiratory illness, such as the common cold. However, SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe illness and even death.

What is the difference between COVID-19 and the common cold?

Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. These viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same signs and symptoms.

Can you take ibuprofen if you have COVID-19?

Michigan, Denmark, Italy and Israel studies and a multicenter international study found no link between taking NSAIDs and worse outcomes in COVID-19 compared to acetaminophen or no medication .

Therefore, if you take NSAIDs regularly, you can continue to take your usual dose.

Can taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen worsen the course of coronavirus disease?

CDC is currently unaware of scientific evidence linking NSAIDs (eg, ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening COVID-19. The FDA, European Medicines Agency, World Health Organization and CDC are continuing to monitor the situation and will review new information on NSAIDs and the impact of COVID-19 disease. For those who wish to use a treatment option other than NSAIDs, there are other over-the-counter and prescription drugs approved for pain relief and fever reduction. Patients who rely on NSAIDs for chronic disease and have other problems should consult their healthcare provider for individualized management. Patients should use NSAIDs and all medications according to the product label and as recommended by their healthcare professional.

Which pain relievers can I take with the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you experience side effects after getting the Covid vaccine, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (like Advil), aspirin, antihistamines, or acetaminophen (like Tylenol), the Centers for Disease Control says.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

During flu season, the viruses that cause COVID-19 and the flu can spread in your community at the same time. If this happens, people may have one or both diseases at the same time. The test can determine which virus you may have and help guide your doctor to appropriate treatment.

Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?

Touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe if you are both healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing, and have no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19.

Can COVID-19 be spread through sexual intercourse?

○ Respiratory droplets, saliva, and nasal fluids are known to transmit COVID-19 and may occur during sexual contact.
○ You are in close contact with someone during kissing or sexual intercourse and may spread COVID-19 through droplets or saliva.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 report a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include: fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; muscle or body pain; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.

Does the flu make you lose your sense of taste like COVID-19?

Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness with many common signs and symptoms, however, one difference to note is loss of taste or smell, which is unique to COVID-19. « It’s hard to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone.

How can I treat symptoms of COVID-19 at home?

Your healthcare provider may recommend the following to relieve symptoms and support your body’s natural defenses:

• taking medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever
• drink water or receive IV fluids to stay hydrated
• Get enough rest to help your body fight the virus

Can I take Tylenol after the COVID-19 vaccine?

Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines to address any pain and discomfort you may have after a vaccination.

Are Tylenol, Advil and Motrin effective and safe for COVID-19 symptoms?

Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), and Motrin (ibuprofen) are all safe for COVID-19 symptoms as long as you follow the recommended doses and there are no conditions that indicate you should not take these medicines. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about the safety of taking these medicines.

Answered by Dr. Molly Fleece, MD

What medicines should I avoid before getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is not recommended that you take over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen, before the vaccine to prevent vaccine-related side effects.

Should I use Bupfen for COVID-19 symptoms?

There is no evidence that ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) need to be avoided. If you have mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you recover at home. He or she may give you special instructions to monitor your symptoms and avoid spreading the disease to others.

Is it safe to take Tylenol or ibuprofen before the COVID-19 vaccine?

Due to a lack of high-quality research on taking NSAIDs or Tylenol before vaccination, the CDC and other similar health organizations recommend against taking Advil or Tylenol beforehand.

Can over-the-counter medicines help relieve symptoms of COVID-19?

You can use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help relieve common symptoms of the flu or COVID-19. But these drugs don’t treat the flu or COVID-19, which means they don’t kill the viruses that cause those infections.

Is a runny nose a symptom of COVID-19?

Seasonal allergies can sometimes bring coughs and runny noses — both of which can be linked to some coronavirus cases and even the common cold — but they can also bring itchy or watery eyes and sneezing, symptoms that have been associated with coronavirus uncommon in patients.

How to distinguish between COVID-19 symptoms and seasonal allergies?

Symptoms of coronavirus can resemble seasonal allergies, but typically include fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Some patients may complain of being unable to taste or smell, or to experience diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Should you take cold medicine if you have COVID-19 and have no symptoms?

If you have COVID-19 but have no symptoms, do not take cold medicine, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen ( Aleve)®). These drugs may hide symptoms of COVID-19.