Symptoms Comparison

Symptoms

COVID-19

Symptoms range from mild to severe

ColdGradual onset of symptoms

FluAbrupt onset of symptoms

Seasonal AllergiesAbrupt onset of symptoms

Length of symptoms

7-25 days

Less than 14 days

7-14 days

Several weeks

Fever

COVID-19 Fever common

Cold Fever common

Short fever period

Flu Fever common

Seasonal allergies Fever no

Cough

COVID-19 Cough common

Usually dry

Cold Cough common

Mild

Flu Cough common

Usually dry

Seasonal allergies Cough rare

Usually dry

Difficulty Breathing

COVID-19 difficulty breathing common

Cold difficulty breathing no

Flu difficulty breathing no

Seasonal allergies difficulty breathing no

Shortness of Breath

COVID-19 Shortness of Breath sometimes

Cold Shortness of Breath no

Allergies, colds, and flus can all trigger asthma, which can lead to shortness of breath.

Flu Shortness of Breath no

Allergies, colds, and flus can all trigger asthma, which can lead to shortness of breath.

Seasonal allergies Shortness of Breath no

Allergies, colds, and flus can all trigger asthma, which can lead to shortness of breath.

Sneezing

COVID-19 Sneezing no

Cold Sneezing common

Flu Sneezing no

Seasonal allergies Sneezing common

Sore Throat

COVID-19 Sore Throat sometimes

Cold Sore Throat common

Flu Sore Throat sometimes

Seasonal allergies Sore Throat sometimes

Usually mild

Runny or stuffy nose

COVID-19 Runny or stuffy nose rare

Cold Runny or stuffy nose common

Flu Runny or stuffy nose sometimes

Seasonal allergies Runny or stuffy nose rare

Watery Eyes

COVID-19 Watery Eyes no

Cold Watery Eyes no

Flu Watery Eyes No

Seasonal allergies Watery Eyes common

Fatigue

COVID-19 Fatigue sometimes

Cold Fatigue sometimes

Flu Fatigue common

Seasonal allergies Fatigue sometimes

Headaches

COVID-19 Headaches sometimes

Cold Headaches rare

Flu Headaches common

Seasonal allergies Headaches sometimes

Related to sinus pain

Muscle/Body aches

COVID-19 muscle body aches sometimes

Cold muscle body aches no

Flu muscle body aches common

Allergies muscle body aches no

Diarrhea

COVID-19 Diarrhea rare

Cold Diarrhea no

Flu Diarrhea sometimes

For children

Seasonal allergies Diarrhea no

A single asterisk Information is still evolving.

A double asterisk Allergies, colds, and flus can all trigger asthma, which can lead to shortness of breath. Covid-19 is the only one associated with shortness of breath on its own.

Sources:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
World Health Organization
Centers for disease Control and Prevention