Is it COVID-19 or Influenza?

Influenza, often known as “the flu”, is a contagious infection that typically runs from late fall to early spring.¹ With the current COVID-19 pandemic, it may be difficult to know if the symptoms you are experiencing are due to the flu or COVID-19. Read on to find out the differences between these conditions.

Symptom comparison between COVID-19 (Omicron), influenza, and the common cold^2-11

There are several viral infections that may affect your respiratory system, including the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19 (Omicron). This chart can help you figure out which condition you are experiencing.

Symptoms	COVID-19 (Omicron)	Influenza	Common Cold
Fever or chills	Sometimes	Common	Rare
Fatigue	Common	Common	Sometimes
Cough	Sometimes	Common (usually dry)	Common (mild)
Shortness of breath	Rare	Sometimes	No
Aches and pain	Sometimes	Common	Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose	Common	Sometimes	Common
Loss of smell or taste	Sometimes	Sometimes	Sometimes
Sore throat	Common	Sometimes	Common
Sneezing	Common	No	Common
Headaches	Common	Common	Rare
Skin changes or rash	Rare	No	No
Nausea or vomiting	Sometimes	Sometimes for children	No
Diarrhea	Sometimes	Sometimes for children	No
Swollen Glands	Rare	Rare	Rare
Chest Pain	Rare	No (chest discomfort is common)	No (chest discomfort is common)
Irregular Heartbeat	Rare	No	No
Confusion or brain fog	Rare	No	No
Dizziness	Sometimes	Rare	Rare

It’s important to contact 9-1-1 or your local emergency number if you’re noticing any of the following symptoms that are new to you or that have worsened:

• Confusion or difficulty thinking
• Difficulty waking up or staying awake
• Pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Trouble breathing

What causes COVID-19 and the flu?^{2, 3}

COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, while the flu is caused by influenza viruses. Both COVID-19 and the flu are spread from person-to-person through droplets that occur when an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes. These viruses can also live on surfaces. If you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can get the virus. Both COVID-19 and flu viruses may be spread by infected people even before they show visible symptoms.

Taking care of yourself and others^1-2,12-13

Many similar strategies will help reduce the spread of both the flu and COVID-19. To protect yourself and others, you should:

• stay home as much as possible, especially if you are sick
• clean your hands frequently with soap and warm water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth
• avoid people who are sick or have been in contact with someone who is sick
• cover your mouth and nose with your arm if you cough or sneeze
• clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items

The influenza vaccine, commonly known as the "flu shot", can also help to protect you from getting sick with the flu and from spreading it to others. The influenza virus changes frequently so you need to get a flu shot every year, regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or not. There are different flu shots available and your Rexall® pharmacist can determine which one is right for you. Many people can get their flu shot right at the pharmacy.

COVID-19 vaccines are available and recommended for everyone in Canada who is 6 months of age or older. Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce your risk of developing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Furthermore, it’s recommended to receive any booster doses that you may be eligible for. Your Rexall® pharmacist can help determine which vaccine is right for you, when to receive your booster dose(s), and help administer it. If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, you can register here for a Rexall® COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some additional measures you should take to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus include:

• maintaining a 2-metre physical distance from others
• wearing a face mask or cloth covering when you are in public indoor settings
• isolating or quarantining at home when you’ve had suspected exposure to COVID-19 or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
• avoiding enclosed or crowded spaces with poor ventilation
• following public health measures when you are travelling

We all play a part in keeping ourselves and each other safe. Our pharmacists are always available if you have questions or need any resources. We also provide free prescription delivery if you are self-isolating at home. Find your nearest Rexall® store location here.

What to do if you develop symptoms^{1, 2, 4, 14}

If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu, you should stay home and get plenty of rest. You can speak to your health care professional about over-the-counter medications that can help you feel better, such as fever or pain relievers. If your symptoms are worsening or you are at a high risk of developing complications from the flu, such as if you’re elderly, pregnant, or have an underlying health condition, you should speak to your health care provider.

If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19, you should follow the testing directions set out by your local public health authority. They can provide you with more information on isolating or quarantining to reduce the spread of the virus. If you have a positive COVID-19 test result and are at high risk of complications from COVID-19 (i.e., if you have a pre-existing health condition or a weakened immune system), speak with your primary care provider about antiviral treatments for COVID-19. Select Rexall pharmacies are dispensing Paxlovid™, a type of antiviral treatment for COVID-19, based on provincial guidelines.

You may also be eligible to receive a COVID-19 test at select Rexall locations; check here to book an appointment. Rexall has also partnered with a number of virtual health care service providers for patients who need to speak to a doctor. Click here to find out more information.