As the pandemic continues, it is up to all of us to keep safety at the forefront of all of our actions. This includes ensuring that we all do everything we can to not spread the COVID-19 virus. With the addition of flu season, this fall and winter can be a dangerous time for our country. However, we can all do our part to stay healthy and keep our loved ones safe by learning the similarities and differences of the flu, COVID-19 and the common cold in case we have any symptoms at any point in time. Now more than ever, it is important to stay home if you are feeling sick to help keep our LRS family safe as well. Learn the symptoms of the flu, common cold and COVID-19 below to help monitor your own health.
Cold
Symptoms: Symptoms appear gradually and are usually milder than symptoms of the flu and COVID-19.
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Treatment: Most people recover on their own within two weeks. Over-the-counter products and home remedies can help control symptoms.
Flu
Symptoms: Symptoms appear abruptly and are usually milder than COVID-19 symptoms.
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children
Treatment: If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. When used for treatment, antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. Getting a flu shot annually can help reduce your chances of getting the flu.
COVID-19
Symptoms: Symptoms seem to cause more serious illnesses in some people, but some people can also be asymptomatic and not have any symptoms. Typically, a person develops symptoms 5 days after being infected, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after infection, and the time range can vary.
- Fever or chills
- 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
Treatment: There is currently not a vaccine for COVID-19. Most people do not need medical care for their symptoms. It is important to stay home, rest and stay hydrated if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Over the counter medication can help reduce the impact of symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms stay home and get tested for COVID-19. Do not come to work until after you receive a negative COVID-19 test result to help keep our LRS family safe. Utilize the tips from the CDC to help protect yourself and loved ones from the COVID-19 pandemic.
#LiveSafety