Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
World Health Organization
How COVID-19 compares with other illnessess?
What does being sick with COVID-19 look like compared with a cold or the flu? Check what types of symptoms show up for each illness and how often in the chart below.
NOTE: If you have not been to a country or area with an outbreak of COVID-19 or have not had contact with someone who has, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the risk of getting the disease is low
Symptom Checker
Covid-19
Cold/Upper Respiratory Infection
Allergies/Hay Fever
Influenza
Diarrhea
Sometimes
Rare
Sore Throat
Sometimes
Common
Sometimes
Runny Nose
Sometimes
Common
Sometimes
Aches and Pains
Sometimes
Rare
Common
Difficulty Breathing
Severe
Sometimes
Is it a Symptom?
How Common?
Is it a Symptom?
How Common?
Is it a Symptom?
How Common?
Is it a Symptom?
How Common?
Dry Cough
Common
Sometimes
Common
Fatigue(Tiredness)
Common
Sometimes
Sometimes
Common
Fever
Common
Rare
Common
Stuffy Nose
Common
Common
Sometimes
Watery Eyes
Common
Sneezing
Common
Common
Sometimes
COVID-19 vs. Allergies vs. Flu
What does being sick with COVID-19 look like compared with a cold or the flu? Check what types of symptoms show up for each illness and how often in our chart.
Information compiled from Florida Department of Health, CDC, World Health Organization
Infographic by Christie Zizo/Spectrum News