🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 1 (from laksa138)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa001.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/cold-flu-allergies-or-covid-19-how-to-tell-the-difference\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/cold-flu-allergies-or-covid-19-how-to-tell-the-difference\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/cold-flu-allergies-or-covid-19-how-to-tell-the-difference","crawl_time":1775850642,"first_indexed_time":1751698095,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,osfhealthcare!www,\/blog\/cold-flu-allergies-or-covid-19-how-to-tell-the-difference s443","src_root_hash":"14679846965994378201","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold or allergies? How to tell the difference","meta_descriptions":[""],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Many respiratory illnesses share overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and fatigue can all show up with COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold or allergies. No wonder it’s hard to know what you or your family might have.\nSo how can you tell the difference? And does it even matter?\nIn most cases, these illnesses are all treated with rest, fluids and symptom relief. But some conditions, like COVID-19, RSV, colds and the flu, can progress more quickly, especially in young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you monitor symptoms, lower the spread and get the right care sooner.\nThese are the biggest differences between illnesses:\nCOVID-19\n: More likely to cause loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath\nRSV\n: Often causes rapid breathing, wheezing and symptoms that worsen quickly in infants\nFlu\n: Has a sudden onset, high fever and body aches.\nColds: Generally milder, no high fever\nAllergies: Itchy eyes, symptoms triggered by environment, no fever\nCan you have more than one illness at the same time?\nYes, it’s possible to catch more than one virus at a time, especially during fall and winter. You could have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or RSV on top of a regular cold. When illnesses overlap, symptoms can hit harder and stick around longer. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, especially with a high fever or trouble breathing, call your primary care provider.\nWhich illness is more contagious?\nSome illnesses spread more easily than others, and how quickly they spread can depend on each person’s immune system, age and overall health.\nCOVID-19 is highly contagious, especially newer variants, and can usually spread the quickest at home, school and crowded indoor spaces. RSV also spreads extremely easily in infants, toddlers and families who live close together. The flu is contagious, but usually not as rapid-spreading as COVID-19. The common cold is still contagious, but generally milder and slower to spread. Allergies are not contagious at all.\nCOVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention\nCOVID-19 symptoms often include loss of smell, which is less common with flu, RSV or allergies. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:\nFever or chills\nDry cough\nShortness of breath or difficulty breathing\nFatigue\nMuscle or body aches\nHeadache\nNew loss of taste or smell\nSore throat\nCongestion or runny nose\nNausea or vomiting\nDiarrhea\nHow to protect yourself from COVID-19\nGet vaccinated\nor if you’re already vaccinated, get your\nbooster\n.\nWear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community.\nWash your hands\noften with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol.\nDon’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands.\nAs much as possible, don’t touch “high-touch” public surfaces such as doorknobs. Don’t shake hands.\nCough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow.\nStay away from people who are sick.\nCheck your home supplies. Consider\nkeeping a two-week supply\nof medicines, food and other needed household items.\nDon’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people.\nDon’t kiss\nsomeone who is sick\n.\nClean surfaces often with disinfectant.\nFlu symptoms and prevention\nFlu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may feel more intense than a cold.\nSymptoms of flu may include:\nFever or feverish\/chills\nCough, muscle or body aches\nHeadache\nFatigue\nRunny or stuffy nose\nSore throat\nHow to protect yourself from the flu\nGet a flu shot\nas soon as it is available each year. The\nCDC\nrecommends infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults get vaccinated every year. If a child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they will need to get two doses one month apart.\nWash your hands before eating and don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth. Wash for at least 20 seconds; regular soap will do.\nIf someone in your family has the flu, keep surfaces clean of the virus by wiping them with a cleaning solution containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors or alcohols. Flu viruses are also killed by heat above 167 degrees.\nRaise the humidity in your home or workplace. The flu bug exists in higher quantities in dry nasal and oral passages. By increasing the humidity, your body will be better able to flush out the flu bug.\nRSV symptoms and prevention\nWith RSV, symptoms usually show within four to six days after getting infected.\nSymptoms of RSV infection usually include:\nRunny nose\nDecrease in appetite\nCoughing\nSneezing\nFever\nWheezing\nThese symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.\nHow to prevent RSV\nWash your hands frequently.\nAvoid close contact with sick people.\nAvoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.\nClean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.\nIn addition, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Those at high risk include premature infants, children younger than age 2 who have chronic lung or heart conditions and children or adults with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders.\nCold symptoms and prevention\nA cold could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses. While it can make you feel miserable, it is relatively harmless. A cold usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection.\nCommon symptoms may include:\nSneezing\nStuffy nose\nSore throat\nMild to moderate chest discomfort\nCough\nHow to protect yourself from the common cold\nWash your hands frequently.\nAvoid close contact with sick people.\nAvoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.\nClean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.\nAllergy symptoms and prevention\nAllergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Allergies do not cause fever.\nAllergy symptoms may include:\nItchy eyes\nRunny nose\nSneezing\nNasal congestion\nHow to prevent allergies\nYou can help prevent the symptoms by:\nControlling your environment\n, such as using air conditioning during pollen season, changing your air filters regularly or getting an air purifier.\nStaying away from areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds.\nKeeping away from pets if you have an issue with pet dander.\nGetting Care\nIf you’re not sure about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, start by contacting your primary care provider. They can help determine next steps, including testing or treatment.\nIf you need care sooner, you can visit OSF OnCall Urgent Care, which offers in-person or virtual visits with a health care provider. You can also chat with Clare, our chatbot, to check your symptoms and get help finding the right type of care.","attrs_markdown":"[Back to OSF HealthCare](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/)\n\n[Back to OSF HealthCare](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/)\n\n[![OSF HealthCare](https:\/\/osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/a168232c1c60412e83c673c4c8e95ef9?v=129025de)](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/ \"OSF HealthCare Home Page\")\n\n[![OSF HealthCare](https:\/\/osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/a168232c1c60412e83c673c4c8e95ef9?v=129025de)](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/ \"OSF HealthCare Home Page\")\n\n[Providers](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/providers)\n\n[Locations](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/locations)\n\nPatients & Visitors\n\nPatients & Visitors\n\nPrograms & Services\n\nPrograms & Services\n\nHealth & Wellness\n\nHealth & Wellness\n\n[Get Care Now](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/care)\n\n[Ways to Give](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/foundation)[Billing Information](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/billing-insurance)[OSF MyChart](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/osf-mychart)[Careers](https:\/\/www.osfcareers.org\/)\n\n- [Blog](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog)\n- COVID-19, Flu, RSV or Allergies? How to Tell What’s Making You Sick\n\n![https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/allergies-social.jpg](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/allergies-social.jpg)\n\n# COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold or allergies? How to tell the difference\nLast updated March 10, 2026\n\nMany respiratory illnesses share overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and fatigue can all show up with COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold or allergies. No wonder it’s hard to know what you or your family might have.\n\nFeeling sick?\n\n[Get care now](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/care)\n## So how can you tell the difference? And does it even matter?\nIn most cases, these illnesses are all treated with rest, fluids and symptom relief. But some conditions, like COVID-19, RSV, colds and the flu, can progress more quickly, especially in young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you monitor symptoms, lower the spread and get the right care sooner.\n\n[![Symptoms for RSV, COVID-19, Seasonal Flu, Common Cold and Seasonal Allergies](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN-240x300.jpg)](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN.jpg)\n\nThese are the biggest differences between illnesses:\n\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/primary-care\/vaccines\/covid19): More likely to cause loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath\n\n- [RSV](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/rsv-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it\/): Often causes rapid breathing, wheezing and symptoms that worsen quickly in infants\n\n- [Flu](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/primary-care\/vaccines\/flu): Has a sudden onset, high fever and body aches.\n- Colds: Generally milder, no high fever\n- Allergies: Itchy eyes, symptoms triggered by environment, no fever\n## Can you have more than one illness at the same time?\nYes, it’s possible to catch more than one virus at a time, especially during fall and winter. You could have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or RSV on top of a regular cold. When illnesses overlap, symptoms can hit harder and stick around longer. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, especially with a high fever or trouble breathing, call your primary care provider.\n\n## Which illness is more contagious?\nSome illnesses spread more easily than others, and how quickly they spread can depend on each person’s immune system, age and overall health.\n\nCOVID-19 is highly contagious, especially newer variants, and can usually spread the quickest at home, school and crowded indoor spaces. RSV also spreads extremely easily in infants, toddlers and families who live close together. The flu is contagious, but usually not as rapid-spreading as COVID-19. The common cold is still contagious, but generally milder and slower to spread. Allergies are not contagious at all.\n\n## COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention\nCOVID-19 symptoms often include loss of smell, which is less common with flu, RSV or allergies. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:\n\n- Fever or chills\n- Dry cough\n- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing\n- Fatigue\n- Muscle or body aches\n- Headache\n- New loss of taste or smell\n- Sore throat\n- Congestion or runny nose\n- Nausea or vomiting\n- Diarrhea\n### How to protect yourself from COVID-19\n- [Get vaccinated](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/primary-care\/vaccines) or if you’re already vaccinated, get your [booster](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html).\n- Wear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community.\n- [Wash your hands](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/why-you-should-care-about-hand-washing\/) often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol.\n\n- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands.\n- As much as possible, don’t touch “high-touch” public surfaces such as doorknobs. Don’t shake hands.\n- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow.\n- Stay away from people who are sick.\n- Check your home supplies. Consider [keeping a two-week supply](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/it-takes-planning-precaution-and-patience-when-shopping-in-the-new-normal\/) of medicines, food and other needed household items.\n- Don’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people.\n- Don’t kiss [someone who is sick](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/how-to-keep-loved-ones-safe-while-youre-sick\/).\n- Clean surfaces often with disinfectant.\n## Flu symptoms and prevention\nFlu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may feel more intense than a cold.\n\nSymptoms of flu may include:\n\n- Fever or feverish\/chills\n- Cough, muscle or body aches\n- Headache\n- Fatigue\n- Runny or stuffy nose\n- Sore throat\n### How to protect yourself from the flu\n- [Get a flu shot](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/six-great-reasons-to-get-the-flu-shot-early\/) as soon as it is available each year. The [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevention\/) recommends infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults get vaccinated every year. If a child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they will need to get two doses one month apart.\n- Wash your hands before eating and don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth. Wash for at least 20 seconds; regular soap will do.\n- If someone in your family has the flu, keep surfaces clean of the virus by wiping them with a cleaning solution containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors or alcohols. Flu viruses are also killed by heat above 167 degrees.\n- Raise the humidity in your home or workplace. The flu bug exists in higher quantities in dry nasal and oral passages. By increasing the humidity, your body will be better able to flush out the flu bug.\n## RSV symptoms and prevention\nWith RSV, symptoms usually show within four to six days after getting infected.\n\nSymptoms of RSV infection usually include:\n\n- Runny nose\n- Decrease in appetite\n- Coughing\n- Sneezing\n- Fever\n- Wheezing\n\nThese symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.\n\n![Washing Hands](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Wash_Hands_300x200-300x200.jpg)\n\n### How to prevent RSV\n- Wash your hands frequently.\n- Avoid close contact with sick people.\n- Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.\n- Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.\n\nIn addition, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Those at high risk include premature infants, children younger than age 2 who have chronic lung or heart conditions and children or adults with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders.\n\n## Cold symptoms and prevention\nA cold could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses. While it can make you feel miserable, it is relatively harmless. A cold usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection.\n\nCommon symptoms may include:\n\n- Sneezing\n- Stuffy nose\n- Sore throat\n- Mild to moderate chest discomfort\n- Cough\n### How to protect yourself from the common cold\n- Wash your hands frequently.\n- Avoid close contact with sick people.\n- Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.\n- Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.\n## Allergy symptoms and prevention\nAllergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Allergies do not cause fever.\n\nAllergy symptoms may include:\n\n- Itchy eyes\n- Runny nose\n- Sneezing\n- Nasal congestion\n### How to prevent allergies\nYou can help prevent the symptoms by:\n\n- [Controlling your environment](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/indoor-allergens-and-what-you-can-do-about-them\/), such as using air conditioning during pollen season, changing your air filters regularly or getting an air purifier.\n- Staying away from areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds.\n- Keeping away from pets if you have an issue with pet dander.\n## Getting Care\nIf you’re not sure about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, start by contacting your primary care provider. They can help determine next steps, including testing or treatment.\n\nIf you need care sooner, you can visit OSF OnCall Urgent Care, which offers in-person or virtual visits with a health care provider. You can also chat with Clare, our chatbot, to check your symptoms and get help finding the right type of care.\n\n#### Explore more:\n[COVID](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=COVID)[General](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=General)[Infographic](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=infographic)[OSF OnCall](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=OSF%20OnCall)[Rsv](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=rsv)[Allergies](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=allergies)[Cold](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=cold)[Flu](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?category-tag=flu)\n#### About the author [Lauren Freehill](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog?author=Lauren%20Freehill)\n#### Share this story\n## Related\n[![Are Methylated Vitamins Worth Taking?](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/methylated-vitamins_1945428430-scaled.jpg)03\/12\/2026 Are Methylated Vitamins Worth Taking?](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/\/are-methylated-vitamins-worth-taking)\n\n[![Fever in Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Too High](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/what-is-a-fever-ft.jpg)02\/11\/2026 Fever in Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Too High](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/\/what-to-do-when-your-child-has-a-fever)\n\n[![Is your kid’s cough more than just a cough?](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/coughing-blog.png)12\/23\/2025 Is your kid’s cough more than just a cough?](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/\/is-your-kids-cough-more-than-just-a-cough)\n\n[![Can You Reduce Your Risk of Getting Cancer?](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Blog-OG.png)12\/12\/2025 Can You Reduce Your Risk of Getting Cancer?](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/\/what-increases-your-risk-of-cancer-delete)\n\n[![osf\\_logo](https:\/\/osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/f413b3476b06455095ecadd563e4e13e?v=209f0e10)](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/cold-flu-allergies-or-covid-19-how-to-tell-the-difference)\n\n*In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.*\n\n##### About OSF\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/about \"About OSF HealthCare\")\n- [Annual Report](https:\/\/osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/4deba56061954cdb9c84fa8763546200?v=be3c4982)\n- [Community Health](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/about\/community-health)\n- [Contact Us](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/contact)\n- [Facts & Figures](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/about\/facts-figures)\n- [Mission, Vision & Values](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/about\/mission-vision-values)\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/newsroom.osfhealthcare.org\/)\n- [Sustainability Report](https:\/\/osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud\/api\/public\/content\/OSF_SustainabiltyReport2023.pdf?v=a67fd9ac)\n\n##### Resources\n- [Accountable Care](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/accountable-care)\n- [Catholic Health Care](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/about\/catholic-health-care)\n- [Colleges & Schools](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/education)\n- [Direct Access Network](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/direct-access-network)\n- [Employee Resources](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/mission-partner-resources)\n- [Provider CME Request](https:\/\/forms.office.com\/pages\/responsepage.aspx?id=MKbW7yS-9kKsIOEe1Gshk9VCB5FWCy5CqzIztjI0qTFURFZQMURTUzFZRFJVNkRPVFNQWU1IM0VTSi4u)\n- [Price Transparency](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/billing-insurance\/price-transparency)\n- [Primary Source Verification](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/primary-source-verification)\n- [Provider Application Fee](https:\/\/paylink.paytrace.com\/?m=eyJhbGciOiJBMjU2S1ciLCJlbmMiOiJBMTI4R0NNIn0.DJ-jwcfH6P1FvXH8OcvV5udjfTMPsdC1.qInnuW9xLNcg9vSn.L0y5Kp6aIEBH_BlLtZqA4vEh6X_jCKEFBK17s5qY1tJ6UqEgGghmLLnuERndNm_2_MsqQWzFjhWZk8LMFLXF7-QL5Qc9q8w27ScCG2FnmX-TJ51FQ4lnMD0w-8amjy2sd8RPrCtso6tppOawjvrdcueH14o_E3RiGCQy9QLxw_h8T_tOFdceed7arMTOdCCGXSxIAsyOVqpizZfdMJLtFL-8N9NfaiFFKbl3tDApWE7u8cMyt4UhxD6NQ6ZcN2RraxTd34SU7JKpupO6xhs0BhWlNGmXVs88GP1OKgE.ZUyhR-aGIiRXlMuaCOPP5w&amount=&invoice=)\n\n##### Sites\n- [OSF HealthCare](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/)\n- [OSF Careers](https:\/\/www.osfcareers.org\/)\n- [OSF HealthCare Foundation](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/foundation)\n- [OSF Innovation](https:\/\/osfinnovation.org\/)\n- [OSF Libraries](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/education\/library)\n- [OSF OnCall Digital Health](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/oncall\/partner)\n- [The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis](https:\/\/franciscansisterspeoria.org\/)\n\nCopyright © 2026 OSF Healthcare System\n\n[Compliance](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/compliance)\n\n[Terms & Conditions](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/terms-conditions)\n\n[Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/patients-visitors\/privacy-policy)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Many respiratory illnesses share overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and fatigue can all show up with COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold or allergies. No wonder it’s hard to know what you or your family might have.\n\n## So how can you tell the difference? And does it even matter?\nIn most cases, these illnesses are all treated with rest, fluids and symptom relief. But some conditions, like COVID-19, RSV, colds and the flu, can progress more quickly, especially in young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you monitor symptoms, lower the spread and get the right care sooner.\n\n[![Symptoms for RSV, COVID-19, Seasonal Flu, Common Cold and Seasonal Allergies](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN-240x300.jpg)](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN.jpg)\n\nThese are the biggest differences between illnesses:\n\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/primary-care\/vaccines\/covid19): More likely to cause loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath\n\n- [RSV](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/rsv-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it\/): Often causes rapid breathing, wheezing and symptoms that worsen quickly in infants\n\n- [Flu](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/primary-care\/vaccines\/flu): Has a sudden onset, high fever and body aches.\n- Colds: Generally milder, no high fever\n- Allergies: Itchy eyes, symptoms triggered by environment, no fever\n## Can you have more than one illness at the same time?\nYes, it’s possible to catch more than one virus at a time, especially during fall and winter. You could have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or RSV on top of a regular cold. When illnesses overlap, symptoms can hit harder and stick around longer. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, especially with a high fever or trouble breathing, call your primary care provider.\n\n## Which illness is more contagious?\nSome illnesses spread more easily than others, and how quickly they spread can depend on each person’s immune system, age and overall health.\n\nCOVID-19 is highly contagious, especially newer variants, and can usually spread the quickest at home, school and crowded indoor spaces. RSV also spreads extremely easily in infants, toddlers and families who live close together. The flu is contagious, but usually not as rapid-spreading as COVID-19. The common cold is still contagious, but generally milder and slower to spread. Allergies are not contagious at all.\n\n## COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention\nCOVID-19 symptoms often include loss of smell, which is less common with flu, RSV or allergies. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include:\n\n- Fever or chills\n- Dry cough\n- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing\n- Fatigue\n- Muscle or body aches\n- Headache\n- New loss of taste or smell\n- Sore throat\n- Congestion or runny nose\n- Nausea or vomiting\n- Diarrhea\n### How to protect yourself from COVID-19\n- [Get vaccinated](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/services\/specialties\/primary-care\/vaccines) or if you’re already vaccinated, get your [booster](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/vaccines\/stay-up-to-date.html).\n- Wear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community.\n- [Wash your hands](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/why-you-should-care-about-hand-washing\/) often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol.\n\n- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands.\n- As much as possible, don’t touch “high-touch” public surfaces such as doorknobs. Don’t shake hands.\n- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow.\n- Stay away from people who are sick.\n- Check your home supplies. Consider [keeping a two-week supply](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/it-takes-planning-precaution-and-patience-when-shopping-in-the-new-normal\/) of medicines, food and other needed household items.\n- Don’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people.\n- Don’t kiss [someone who is sick](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/how-to-keep-loved-ones-safe-while-youre-sick\/).\n- Clean surfaces often with disinfectant.\n## Flu symptoms and prevention\nFlu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may feel more intense than a cold.\n\nSymptoms of flu may include:\n\n- Fever or feverish\/chills\n- Cough, muscle or body aches\n- Headache\n- Fatigue\n- Runny or stuffy nose\n- Sore throat\n### How to protect yourself from the flu\n- [Get a flu shot](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/six-great-reasons-to-get-the-flu-shot-early\/) as soon as it is available each year. The [CDC](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/prevention\/) recommends infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults get vaccinated every year. If a child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they will need to get two doses one month apart.\n- Wash your hands before eating and don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth. Wash for at least 20 seconds; regular soap will do.\n- If someone in your family has the flu, keep surfaces clean of the virus by wiping them with a cleaning solution containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors or alcohols. Flu viruses are also killed by heat above 167 degrees.\n- Raise the humidity in your home or workplace. The flu bug exists in higher quantities in dry nasal and oral passages. By increasing the humidity, your body will be better able to flush out the flu bug.\n## RSV symptoms and prevention\nWith RSV, symptoms usually show within four to six days after getting infected.\n\nSymptoms of RSV infection usually include:\n\n- Runny nose\n- Decrease in appetite\n- Coughing\n- Sneezing\n- Fever\n- Wheezing\n\nThese symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.\n\n![Washing Hands](https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/Wash_Hands_300x200-300x200.jpg)\n\n### How to prevent RSV\n- Wash your hands frequently.\n- Avoid close contact with sick people.\n- Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.\n- Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.\n\nIn addition, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Those at high risk include premature infants, children younger than age 2 who have chronic lung or heart conditions and children or adults with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders.\n\n## Cold symptoms and prevention\nA cold could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses. While it can make you feel miserable, it is relatively harmless. A cold usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection.\n\nCommon symptoms may include:\n\n- Sneezing\n- Stuffy nose\n- Sore throat\n- Mild to moderate chest discomfort\n- Cough\n### How to protect yourself from the common cold\n- Wash your hands frequently.\n- Avoid close contact with sick people.\n- Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people.\n- Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds.\n## Allergy symptoms and prevention\nAllergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Allergies do not cause fever.\n\nAllergy symptoms may include:\n\n- Itchy eyes\n- Runny nose\n- Sneezing\n- Nasal congestion\n### How to prevent allergies\nYou can help prevent the symptoms by:\n\n- [Controlling your environment](https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/indoor-allergens-and-what-you-can-do-about-them\/), such as using air conditioning during pollen season, changing your air filters regularly or getting an air purifier.\n- Staying away from areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds.\n- Keeping away from pets if you have an issue with pet dander.\n## Getting Care\nIf you’re not sure about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, start by contacting your primary care provider. They can help determine next steps, including testing or treatment.\n\nIf you need care sooner, you can visit OSF OnCall Urgent Care, which offers in-person or virtual visits with a health care provider. You can also chat with Clare, our chatbot, to check your symptoms and get help finding the right type of care.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Many respiratory illnesses share overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and fatigue can all show up with COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold or allergies. No wonder it’s hard to know what you or your family might have. So how can you tell the difference? And does it even matter? In most cases, these illnesses are all treated with rest, fluids and symptom relief. But some conditions, like COVID-19, RSV, colds and the flu, can progress more quickly, especially in young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you monitor symptoms, lower the spread and get the right care sooner. These are the biggest differences between illnesses: COVID-19 : More likely to cause loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath RSV : Often causes rapid breathing, wheezing and symptoms that worsen quickly in infants Flu : Has a sudden onset, high fever and body aches. Colds: Generally milder, no high fever Allergies: Itchy eyes, symptoms triggered by environment, no fever Can you have more than one illness at the same time? Yes, it’s possible to catch more than one virus at a time, especially during fall and winter. You could have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or RSV on top of a regular cold. When illnesses overlap, symptoms can hit harder and stick around longer. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, especially with a high fever or trouble breathing, call your primary care provider. Which illness is more contagious? Some illnesses spread more easily than others, and how quickly they spread can depend on each person’s immune system, age and overall health. COVID-19 is highly contagious, especially newer variants, and can usually spread the quickest at home, school and crowded indoor spaces. RSV also spreads extremely easily in infants, toddlers and families who live close together. The flu is contagious, but usually not as rapid-spreading as COVID-19. The common cold is still contagious, but generally milder and slower to spread. Allergies are not contagious at all. COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention COVID-19 symptoms often include loss of smell, which is less common with flu, RSV or allergies. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include: Fever or chills Dry cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea How to protect yourself from COVID-19 Get vaccinated or if you’re already vaccinated, get your booster . Wear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community. Wash your hands often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands. As much as possible, don’t touch “high-touch” public surfaces such as doorknobs. Don’t shake hands. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. Stay away from people who are sick. Check your home supplies. Consider keeping a two-week supply of medicines, food and other needed household items. Don’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people. Don’t kiss someone who is sick . Clean surfaces often with disinfectant. Flu symptoms and prevention Flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may feel more intense than a cold. Symptoms of flu may include: Fever or feverish/chills Cough, muscle or body aches Headache Fatigue Runny or stuffy nose Sore throat How to protect yourself from the flu Get a flu shot as soon as it is available each year. The CDC recommends infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults get vaccinated every year. If a child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they will need to get two doses one month apart. Wash your hands before eating and don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth. Wash for at least 20 seconds; regular soap will do. If someone in your family has the flu, keep surfaces clean of the virus by wiping them with a cleaning solution containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors or alcohols. Flu viruses are also killed by heat above 167 degrees. Raise the humidity in your home or workplace. The flu bug exists in higher quantities in dry nasal and oral passages. By increasing the humidity, your body will be better able to flush out the flu bug. RSV symptoms and prevention With RSV, symptoms usually show within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include: Runny nose Decrease in appetite Coughing Sneezing Fever Wheezing These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. How to prevent RSV Wash your hands frequently. Avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people. Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds. In addition, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Those at high risk include premature infants, children younger than age 2 who have chronic lung or heart conditions and children or adults with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders. Cold symptoms and prevention A cold could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses. While it can make you feel miserable, it is relatively harmless. A cold usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. Common symptoms may include: Sneezing Stuffy nose Sore throat Mild to moderate chest discomfort Cough How to protect yourself from the common cold Wash your hands frequently. Avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people. Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds. Allergy symptoms and prevention Allergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Allergies do not cause fever. Allergy symptoms may include: Itchy eyes Runny nose Sneezing Nasal congestion How to prevent allergies You can help prevent the symptoms by: Controlling your environment , such as using air conditioning during pollen season, changing your air filters regularly or getting an air purifier. Staying away from areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds. Keeping away from pets if you have an issue with pet dander. Getting Care If you’re not sure about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, start by contacting your primary care provider. They can help determine next steps, including testing or treatment. If you need care sooner, you can visit OSF OnCall Urgent Care, which offers in-person or virtual visits with a health care provider. You can also chat with Clare, our chatbot, to check your symptoms and get help finding the right type of care.
Markdown	[Back to OSF HealthCare](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/) [Back to OSF HealthCare](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/) [![OSF HealthCare](https://osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/a168232c1c60412e83c673c4c8e95ef9?v=129025de)](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/ "OSF HealthCare Home Page") [![OSF HealthCare](https://osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/a168232c1c60412e83c673c4c8e95ef9?v=129025de)](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/ "OSF HealthCare Home Page") [Providers](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/providers) [Locations](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/locations) Patients & Visitors Patients & Visitors Programs & Services Programs & Services Health & Wellness Health & Wellness [Get Care Now](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/care) [Ways to Give](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/foundation)[Billing Information](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/patients-visitors/billing-insurance)[OSF MyChart](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/patients-visitors/osf-mychart)[Careers](https://www.osfcareers.org/) - [Blog](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog) - COVID-19, Flu, RSV or Allergies? How to Tell What’s Making You Sick ![https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/allergies-social.jpg](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/allergies-social.jpg) # COVID-19, flu, RSV, cold or allergies? How to tell the difference Last updated March 10, 2026 Many respiratory illnesses share overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and fatigue can all show up with COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold or allergies. No wonder it’s hard to know what you or your family might have. Feeling sick? [Get care now](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/care) ## So how can you tell the difference? And does it even matter? In most cases, these illnesses are all treated with rest, fluids and symptom relief. But some conditions, like COVID-19, RSV, colds and the flu, can progress more quickly, especially in young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you monitor symptoms, lower the spread and get the right care sooner. [![Symptoms for RSV, COVID-19, Seasonal Flu, Common Cold and Seasonal Allergies](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN-240x300.jpg)](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN.jpg) These are the biggest differences between illnesses: - [COVID-19](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/primary-care/vaccines/covid19): More likely to cause loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath - [RSV](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/rsv-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it/): Often causes rapid breathing, wheezing and symptoms that worsen quickly in infants - [Flu](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/primary-care/vaccines/flu): Has a sudden onset, high fever and body aches. - Colds: Generally milder, no high fever - Allergies: Itchy eyes, symptoms triggered by environment, no fever ## Can you have more than one illness at the same time? Yes, it’s possible to catch more than one virus at a time, especially during fall and winter. You could have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or RSV on top of a regular cold. When illnesses overlap, symptoms can hit harder and stick around longer. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, especially with a high fever or trouble breathing, call your primary care provider. ## Which illness is more contagious? Some illnesses spread more easily than others, and how quickly they spread can depend on each person’s immune system, age and overall health. COVID-19 is highly contagious, especially newer variants, and can usually spread the quickest at home, school and crowded indoor spaces. RSV also spreads extremely easily in infants, toddlers and families who live close together. The flu is contagious, but usually not as rapid-spreading as COVID-19. The common cold is still contagious, but generally milder and slower to spread. Allergies are not contagious at all. ## COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention COVID-19 symptoms often include loss of smell, which is less common with flu, RSV or allergies. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include: - Fever or chills - Dry cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Fatigue - Muscle or body aches - Headache - New loss of taste or smell - Sore throat - Congestion or runny nose - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea ### How to protect yourself from COVID-19 - [Get vaccinated](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/primary-care/vaccines) or if you’re already vaccinated, get your [booster](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html). - Wear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community. - [Wash your hands](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/why-you-should-care-about-hand-washing/) often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol. - Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands. - As much as possible, don’t touch “high-touch” public surfaces such as doorknobs. Don’t shake hands. - Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. - Stay away from people who are sick. - Check your home supplies. Consider [keeping a two-week supply](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/it-takes-planning-precaution-and-patience-when-shopping-in-the-new-normal/) of medicines, food and other needed household items. - Don’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people. - Don’t kiss [someone who is sick](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/how-to-keep-loved-ones-safe-while-youre-sick/). - Clean surfaces often with disinfectant. ## Flu symptoms and prevention Flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may feel more intense than a cold. Symptoms of flu may include: - Fever or feverish/chills - Cough, muscle or body aches - Headache - Fatigue - Runny or stuffy nose - Sore throat ### How to protect yourself from the flu - [Get a flu shot](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/six-great-reasons-to-get-the-flu-shot-early/) as soon as it is available each year. The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/) recommends infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults get vaccinated every year. If a child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they will need to get two doses one month apart. - Wash your hands before eating and don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth. Wash for at least 20 seconds; regular soap will do. - If someone in your family has the flu, keep surfaces clean of the virus by wiping them with a cleaning solution containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors or alcohols. Flu viruses are also killed by heat above 167 degrees. - Raise the humidity in your home or workplace. The flu bug exists in higher quantities in dry nasal and oral passages. By increasing the humidity, your body will be better able to flush out the flu bug. ## RSV symptoms and prevention With RSV, symptoms usually show within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include: - Runny nose - Decrease in appetite - Coughing - Sneezing - Fever - Wheezing These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. ![Washing Hands](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Wash_Hands_300x200-300x200.jpg) ### How to prevent RSV - Wash your hands frequently. - Avoid close contact with sick people. - Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people. - Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds. In addition, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Those at high risk include premature infants, children younger than age 2 who have chronic lung or heart conditions and children or adults with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders. ## Cold symptoms and prevention A cold could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses. While it can make you feel miserable, it is relatively harmless. A cold usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. Common symptoms may include: - Sneezing - Stuffy nose - Sore throat - Mild to moderate chest discomfort - Cough ### How to protect yourself from the common cold - Wash your hands frequently. - Avoid close contact with sick people. - Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people. - Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds. ## Allergy symptoms and prevention Allergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Allergies do not cause fever. Allergy symptoms may include: - Itchy eyes - Runny nose - Sneezing - Nasal congestion ### How to prevent allergies You can help prevent the symptoms by: - [Controlling your environment](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/indoor-allergens-and-what-you-can-do-about-them/), such as using air conditioning during pollen season, changing your air filters regularly or getting an air purifier. - Staying away from areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds. - Keeping away from pets if you have an issue with pet dander. ## Getting Care If you’re not sure about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, start by contacting your primary care provider. They can help determine next steps, including testing or treatment. If you need care sooner, you can visit OSF OnCall Urgent Care, which offers in-person or virtual visits with a health care provider. You can also chat with Clare, our chatbot, to check your symptoms and get help finding the right type of care. #### Explore more: [COVID](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=COVID)[General](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=General)[Infographic](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=infographic)[OSF OnCall](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=OSF%20OnCall)[Rsv](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=rsv)[Allergies](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=allergies)[Cold](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=cold)[Flu](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?category-tag=flu) #### About the author [Lauren Freehill](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog?author=Lauren%20Freehill) #### Share this story ## Related [![Are Methylated Vitamins Worth Taking?](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/methylated-vitamins_1945428430-scaled.jpg)03/12/2026 Are Methylated Vitamins Worth Taking?](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog//are-methylated-vitamins-worth-taking) [![Fever in Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Too High](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/what-is-a-fever-ft.jpg)02/11/2026 Fever in Kids: What’s Normal and What’s Too High](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog//what-to-do-when-your-child-has-a-fever) [![Is your kid’s cough more than just a cough?](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/coughing-blog.png)12/23/2025 Is your kid’s cough more than just a cough?](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog//is-your-kids-cough-more-than-just-a-cough) [![Can You Reduce Your Risk of Getting Cancer?](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Blog-OG.png)12/12/2025 Can You Reduce Your Risk of Getting Cancer?](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog//what-increases-your-risk-of-cancer-delete) [![osf\_logo](https://osf-p-001.sitecorecontenthub.cloud/api/public/content/f413b3476b06455095ecadd563e4e13e?v=209f0e10)](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/cold-flu-allergies-or-covid-19-how-to-tell-the-difference) In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life. ##### About OSF - 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Readable Markdown	Many respiratory illnesses share overlapping symptoms. Fever, cough, congestion, sore throat and fatigue can all show up with COVID-19, flu, RSV, the common cold or allergies. No wonder it’s hard to know what you or your family might have. ## So how can you tell the difference? And does it even matter? In most cases, these illnesses are all treated with rest, fluids and symptom relief. But some conditions, like COVID-19, RSV, colds and the flu, can progress more quickly, especially in young children, older adults and people with chronic conditions. Knowing what you’re dealing with helps you monitor symptoms, lower the spread and get the right care sooner. [![Symptoms for RSV, COVID-19, Seasonal Flu, Common Cold and Seasonal Allergies](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN-240x300.jpg)](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Respiratory-Illness-Difference_SM_1440x1800_02-26_FIN.jpg) These are the biggest differences between illnesses: - [COVID-19](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/primary-care/vaccines/covid19): More likely to cause loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath - [RSV](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/rsv-what-it-is-and-how-to-prevent-it/): Often causes rapid breathing, wheezing and symptoms that worsen quickly in infants - [Flu](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/primary-care/vaccines/flu): Has a sudden onset, high fever and body aches. - Colds: Generally milder, no high fever - Allergies: Itchy eyes, symptoms triggered by environment, no fever ## Can you have more than one illness at the same time? Yes, it’s possible to catch more than one virus at a time, especially during fall and winter. You could have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, or RSV on top of a regular cold. When illnesses overlap, symptoms can hit harder and stick around longer. If your symptoms suddenly get worse, especially with a high fever or trouble breathing, call your primary care provider. ## Which illness is more contagious? Some illnesses spread more easily than others, and how quickly they spread can depend on each person’s immune system, age and overall health. COVID-19 is highly contagious, especially newer variants, and can usually spread the quickest at home, school and crowded indoor spaces. RSV also spreads extremely easily in infants, toddlers and families who live close together. The flu is contagious, but usually not as rapid-spreading as COVID-19. The common cold is still contagious, but generally milder and slower to spread. Allergies are not contagious at all. ## COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention COVID-19 symptoms often include loss of smell, which is less common with flu, RSV or allergies. Other symptoms of COVID-19 include: - Fever or chills - Dry cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Fatigue - Muscle or body aches - Headache - New loss of taste or smell - Sore throat - Congestion or runny nose - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea ### How to protect yourself from COVID-19 - [Get vaccinated](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/services/specialties/primary-care/vaccines) or if you’re already vaccinated, get your [booster](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html). - Wear a face mask when you go out in public as required by CDC guidelines and based on the transmission rate in your community. - [Wash your hands](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/why-you-should-care-about-hand-washing/) often with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often. Make sure it has at least 60% alcohol. - Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have clean hands. - As much as possible, don’t touch “high-touch” public surfaces such as doorknobs. Don’t shake hands. - Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash. If you don’t have tissues, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow. - Stay away from people who are sick. - Check your home supplies. Consider [keeping a two-week supply](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/it-takes-planning-precaution-and-patience-when-shopping-in-the-new-normal/) of medicines, food and other needed household items. - Don’t share eating or drinking utensils with sick people. - Don’t kiss [someone who is sick](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/how-to-keep-loved-ones-safe-while-youre-sick/). - Clean surfaces often with disinfectant. ## Flu symptoms and prevention Flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and may feel more intense than a cold. Symptoms of flu may include: - Fever or feverish/chills - Cough, muscle or body aches - Headache - Fatigue - Runny or stuffy nose - Sore throat ### How to protect yourself from the flu - [Get a flu shot](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/six-great-reasons-to-get-the-flu-shot-early/) as soon as it is available each year. The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/) recommends infants over the age of 6 months and all children and adults get vaccinated every year. If a child is under 8 and has never had a flu shot, they will need to get two doses one month apart. - Wash your hands before eating and don’t put your hands near your face or in your mouth. Wash for at least 20 seconds; regular soap will do. - If someone in your family has the flu, keep surfaces clean of the virus by wiping them with a cleaning solution containing chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors or alcohols. Flu viruses are also killed by heat above 167 degrees. - Raise the humidity in your home or workplace. The flu bug exists in higher quantities in dry nasal and oral passages. By increasing the humidity, your body will be better able to flush out the flu bug. ## RSV symptoms and prevention With RSV, symptoms usually show within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include: - Runny nose - Decrease in appetite - Coughing - Sneezing - Fever - Wheezing These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties. ![Washing Hands](https://osf-blog.live.imagescape.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Wash_Hands_300x200-300x200.jpg) ### How to prevent RSV - Wash your hands frequently. - Avoid close contact with sick people. - Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people. - Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds. In addition, people with cold-like symptoms should not interact with children who are at high risk for severe RSV disease. Those at high risk include premature infants, children younger than age 2 who have chronic lung or heart conditions and children or adults with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders. ## Cold symptoms and prevention A cold could be triggered by more than 200 different viruses. While it can make you feel miserable, it is relatively harmless. A cold usually clears up by itself after a period of time, although it can sometimes lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. Common symptoms may include: - Sneezing - Stuffy nose - Sore throat - Mild to moderate chest discomfort - Cough ### How to protect yourself from the common cold - Wash your hands frequently. - Avoid close contact with sick people. - Avoid touching your nose or eyes, especially while around sick people. - Clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses to halt the spread of colds. ## Allergy symptoms and prevention Allergies are typically chronic conditions presenting with symptoms off and on depending perhaps on the season or your environment. Allergies do not cause fever. Allergy symptoms may include: - Itchy eyes - Runny nose - Sneezing - Nasal congestion ### How to prevent allergies You can help prevent the symptoms by: - [Controlling your environment](https://www.osfhealthcare.org/blog/indoor-allergens-and-what-you-can-do-about-them/), such as using air conditioning during pollen season, changing your air filters regularly or getting an air purifier. - Staying away from areas where there is heavy dust, mites, molds. - Keeping away from pets if you have an issue with pet dander. ## Getting Care If you’re not sure about some of the symptoms you may be experiencing, start by contacting your primary care provider. They can help determine next steps, including testing or treatment. If you need care sooner, you can visit OSF OnCall Urgent Care, which offers in-person or virtual visits with a health care provider. You can also chat with Clare, our chatbot, to check your symptoms and get help finding the right type of care.
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