Feeling Under the Weather?

Let’s Understand the Symptoms

Knowing a little about what causes the flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and the common cold, as well as their signs, is a great first step to staying healthy. We’re giving this information to you to review these symptoms, but it’s essential to remember that if you’re not feeling well, always consult your doctor.

Cold Symptoms

A different type of virus causes the common cold, often referred to as rhinovirus. Cold symptoms usually develop gradually and may include a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, tiredness, and sneezing. The symptoms rarely cause a high fever, unlike the flu, and most often last for about two weeks. If your symptoms do not go away, contact your doctor for information about what to do next.

Flu Symptoms

Tiny germs called influenza viruses cause the flu. It often appears when the weather gets colder, but it can occur at any time of year. It’s not the same as a regular cold. Flu symptoms tend to hit you suddenly, and the signs are usually much stronger, have more serious symptoms, and last longer than a common cold.

If you’re older, or if you have health issues like asthma, emphysema, heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes, you might be more likely to get the flu. When you have the flu, you might have a dry cough, terrible muscle aches, a fever, and feel exhausted. Headaches are also common. Usually, the flu doesn’t cause vomiting or diarrhea in adults, but you can certainly feel terrible.

Pneumonia Symptoms Are Serious

The pneumonia respiratory infection is caused by inhaling tiny germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Just like with the flu, if you have health problems like asthma, emphysema, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, you might be more likely to get pneumonia. People who smoke also have a higher chance of getting it.

Pneumonia is more common during colder months, but you can get it at happen any time. If you have pneumonia, you might have respiratory symptoms like a cough with thick mucus, a fever, and feel short of breath. You might also feel chest pain when you cough or take a deep breath. These pneumonia symptoms may indicate a more severe illness, and you should see a doctor right away.

COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a type of germ called the coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2. You can contract COVID-19 at any time of the year. Those who haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccination, are older adults, or have other health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, are more likely to get very sick from it and may require hospitalization.

Most people with COVID-19 have a dry cough, feel achy, have a high fever, and feel extremely tired. Some people with COVID-19 also experience loss of their sense of taste and smell. About one in ten people with COVID-19 might even have diarrhea as their first sign, even before they get a fever or cough. We’re always learning new things about this infection.

COVID-19: More Serious Than Cold or Flu

How you feel when you’re sick can be different depending on your age and how healthy you are. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to call your doctor and make an appointment right away.

• Fever higher than 100 ℉
• Extreme fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Severe cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain when you take deep breaths
• Shaking, chills, or your heart beating faster

It is essential to remember that you can spread germs even if you don’t feel sick yourself. These respiratory illnesses are often considered infectious diseases, and many require medical treatment, even if just over-the-counter medication. Close contact with others can put them at risk.

How Do I Get Tested?

When you’re not feeling well and see a doctor, they’ll often check if you have COVID-19. They can do this with a rapid antigen test, which means they gently swab the inside of your nose and test the secretions. You can even get these rapid tests at stores or by mail to use at home now. Sometimes, if someone has COVID-19, they may also receive a chest X-ray to help the doctor better understand their symptoms.

Determining whether you have pneumonia is a different process. The doctor might listen to your breathing and take a special X-ray of your chest. No matter what kind of infection you have, the doctor might give you medicine to help with pain or coughing. They might also give you respiratory treatments to help you breathe easier. If bacteria cause your sickness, they might give you antibiotics. It’s always essential to drink plenty of water and get enough rest to help your body recover and heal.

You Can Help Prevent Illness

There are things you can do to help keep yourself and the people you care about healthy and prevent infection. The best way to stay healthy is to avoid being around germs that put you at risk. Here are some simple steps to help you stay well and not spread viruses to others:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently. Good hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of respiratory infection to surfaces or other people.
• Wear a face covering, preferably a high-quality mask like an N95, and keep a safe distance (usually 6 feet) from others when you’re out in public. If you’re able, try to stay away from people who are sick and people who don’t live in your home.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when you can’t wash your hands frequently.
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

Your Vaccination Checklist

Even though vaccinations aren’t 100% perfect, they can help stop you from getting seriously sick if you do catch something. They also help prevent germs from spreading to other people. If you become very ill, you may have other health issues that require doctor visits or even a hospital stay. Being sick could also mean you miss out on time with friends and family. If you have any health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or other chronic conditions, it is essential to get your vaccinations to boost your immune system.

Flu Shots Are Essential:

It’s essential to get your flu vaccination every year. These shots are usually available in early fall, and you can get them at your physician’s office, your public health agency, and from most brand-name pharmacies.

Pneumonia Vaccine for Prevention of Infection:

There are different kinds of pneumonia shots. Depending on which ones you’ve had, you might need one or two pneumonia vaccinations after you turn 65, which should protect you for many years.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

The COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are highly effective at preventing severe infection from COVID-19. Your doctor can help you understand how often you should get a shot based on which one you receive. Everyone eligible to receive a vaccine or booster shot should do so.

Your vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 are free with Medicare.

Getting vaccinated helps protect you and the people around you. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you. Most pharmacies are now giving flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccinations without an appointment. Your doctor’s office usually has the flu and pneumonia shots on hand, so you can get them at a scheduled check-up or make an appointment.

You can get most vaccines at no cost to you with a Medicare Part B and D plan. The seasonal flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost under Medicare Part B. Medicare Part D may also cover other vaccines, such as those for shingles and tetanus. Check with your healthcare provider to see what your benefits cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do vaccines make you sick with the flu or COVID-19?

No. Some people may feel a little under the weather, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, fevers, upset stomachs, or aches. However, these feelings usually subside within a few days and are much milder than those associated with the flu or COVID-19.

It is a common misconception that a vaccination makes you sick, especially with the flu vaccine. The mild symptoms you may have are actually a sign that your immune system has already started building its protection, similar to the body’s reaction to an actual infection.

Do I need the flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine if I am healthy?

Yes. Even if you’re healthy, getting vaccinated helps stop the spread of germs to people with weakened immune systems who may get very sick.

Do I still need to get vaccinated if I have already had the flu or COVID-19?

Yes. Having the sickness before doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from getting it again. You may still be at risk. Flu shots are good for one year. People who have had COVID-19 and also received the vaccine often have more protection against the virus than those who have only had the virus, but not the vaccine.

Do I need a flu shot every year?

Yes. The flu virus changes slightly each year, so the vaccine is updated yearly. A flu vaccine helps to protect you from the type of flu that doctors think will be most common that year.

Can I still get the flu or COVID-19 if I’m vaccinated?

Yes. Vaccines are not 100% perfect. However, if you do get sick after getting your shots, your symptoms will likely be less severe. Vaccinations also reduce your risk of spreading the germ to others.

Final thoughts for you to take away…

Treatment for any respiratory illness is essential. This article covers four respiratory illnesses. We’ve also compared the symptoms, including flu vs. cold, pneumonia vs. flu, and COVID-19 vs. pneumonia, among others. Their signs are typically the same, with common symptoms including a stuffy nose, body aches, high fever, cough, sneezing, and fatigue.

Left untreated, these respiratory illnesses may resolve on their own, but most doctors recommend that you get an appointment with your healthcare provider to make sure they treat you for the correct disease. They can make sure there are no complications or different symptoms that may indicate a more severe infection and a greater risk to you.