What a crazy winter. On top of the usual flu worries, this year we have to worry about something even more dangerous: the coronavirus.

And what makes COVID-19 even more confusing is the fact that its symptoms are so eerily similar to the symptoms of the flu, so how are we supposed to know what we’ve just gotten sick with? Our team at AFC Urgent Care Clemson is here to help, so read on.

How Can I Tell If I Have COVID-19?

If you have any of the symptoms below, even though they are very similar to flu symptoms, we would definitely encourage you to get a COVID-19 test.

If you don’t have immediate access to a COVID-19 test, however, experts do say that one of the most telling signs of COVID-19 is a new loss of taste or smell.

Common Symptoms of COVID-19

• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever or chills
• Headaches

How Can I Tell If I Have the Flu?

First, we’d encourage you to get your annual flu shot at AFC Clemson. Even though the flu shot doesn’t totally eliminate your risk of falling ill from the flu, it does reduce your risk of getting sick. Plus, it will lessen the severity of your symptoms if you do happen to get it.

Secondly, the big difference between flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms is that flu symptoms come on hard and fast. We’ve listed some common flu symptoms below.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Joint and muscle aches
• Pain and tiredness around the eyes
• Weakness or extreme fatigue
• Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Frequent headaches
• Fever

We hope you stay healthy and well during this new year! AFC Urgent Care Clemson is here for you no matter what, so don’t hesitate to visit us!