Cold vs Flu vs COVID-19: How to Tell the Difference

Q: How long is someone contagious with the flu?

Generally, about five to seven days from when symptoms start, sometimes longer in children or people with weaker immune systems.

Q: Do I need antibiotics for a cold or flu?

No. Both are viral, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. They're only useful if a secondary bacterial infection develops.

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Cold vs Flu vs COVID-19: How Can You Tell the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tell cold, flu, and COVID apart just from symptoms?

Not reliably, especially in the first day or two. Speed of onset and severity offer the best clues, but testing is the only way to know for certain, particularly for COVID.