COVID-19 and Acute Respiratory Infections: What Are the Differences?

28 de octubre de 2025

2 min de lectura

It has been noted that COVID-19 and acute respiratory infections have some of the same symptoms. Let’s compare them to understand what the differences are.

Puntos clave

It has been noted that COVID-19 and acute respiratory infections have some of the same symptoms.
The virus cycle
Recognize and disarm

Para quién es

Personas que exploran Coronavirus a través de coronavirus, covid-19 test.

Por qué importa

Este artículo te ayuda a orientarte rápidamente y luego avanzar a una colección o serie si quieres seguir profundizando.

Autor del artículo

Dra. Ely

médico general

The virus cycle

COVID-19 was initially so aggressive that it displaced the usual seasonal viruses and flu. Social distancing, border closures, careful hygiene, and masking regimes also contributed to this. This fall, however, flu and other colds have returned with renewed vigor. Some experts believe that what is happening may be a sign that COVID-19, under the onslaught of emerging natural immunity, vaccinations, and social restrictions, is finally moving into the category of seasonal viruses.

Recognize and disarm

During a pandemic, people want to understand how the disease is transmitted. Even if the disease is a mild form, it is very possible to infect those around you. It is not always possible to pass a test immediately, and their reliability is sometimes questionable. So what should you do? Let's compare the symptoms.

Since COVID-19 is an acute respiratory viral infection, the signs at first glance are similar — fever, runny nose, headache, scratchy throat, and overall weakness. And yet, COVID-19 has a pronounced clinical picture.

You likely have an acute respiratory infection if you have the following:

Body temperature of 98.6–100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Runny nose with profuse nosebleeds, tears
Sore or scratchy throat
Loss of sense of smell
Mild weakness, feeling faint

You likely have COVID-19 if:

You have an uncharacteristic cold
Body temperature of 98.6–102.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Internal nasal congestion without mucus discharge
Noise in the ears, stuffy ears
Muscle pain and aching joints
Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea
Extreme weakness and dizziness, with difficulty walking
Tachycardia with a slight fever, fluctuating blood pressure
Lack of sense of smell, change in taste on the third or fifth day
Chest pain, heavy breathing, shortness of breath, cough
Improvement does not come even after 5 days, but can run in waves: the first 3–4 days a slight fever, then improvement and a repeated increase in temperature, often up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Plan of action

If you have symptoms that could indicate COVID-19, you should immediately isolate yourself from your loved ones and not leave your home. If symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately. It is especially important as symptoms of the delta strain of COVID-19 can appear even more quickly, and the strain can be more deadly than the original.

Seguir leyendo

Coronavirus#vacunación

Which Coronavirus Vaccine is the Best?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 48 vaccines have been tested in different countries, with 11 passing through to phase III of trials. Meanwhile, another 164 alternative vaccines are passing preclinical testing.

Dra. Vera28 oct 2025

Coronavirus#coronavirus

What Vitamins Help With Recovery From COVID-19?

Any viral infection, whether it is ARVI or temperature, changes the human immune system. People who have had COVID-19 claim that after the disease they began to notice a constant loss of strength, decreased performance, lethargy, deterioration of mood, headaches, shortness of breath during exercise, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. What vitamins should be taken to "invigorate" the immune system after COVID-19?

Dra. Diana28 oct 2025

Salud de la mujer#anticoncepción

What Is the Pearl Index and How Does It Help Avoid Unwanted Pregnancy?

What kind of protection during sex is the most effective? No need to argue, everything has been decided for a long time.

Dra. Ely28 oct 2025

Infecciones bacterianas y víricas#fever

When Should You Be Worried About a Fever?

A fever is a frequent phenomenon that signals a problem in the body. Some people prefer to let the immune system fight it, while others begin to worry after even a slight increase in temperature. What should you know about fevers and rising temperatures?

Dra. Helga28 oct 2025

Instala Ornament para no solo leer estos artículos, sino también hacer seguimiento de tu salud, guardar resultados de análisis y acceder a otras funciones útiles

Instalar Ornament