Monument Health elaborates on differences between the flu and COVID

As we approach the peak of flu season, how can you tell if you have the flu or COVID?

Since both viruses share similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell which one you may have. Both are accompanied by fever, cough, headache, sneezing and a runny nose.

Doctors at Monument Health say as far as telling which virus you have, testing is really the only way.

“Typically the flu is very short, immediately a day or two of symptoms after you get the disease,” said Vice President of Medical Affairs for Monument Health, Dr. Shankar Kurra. “In the case of COVID five days later, so that’s the big difference. It’s important to get tested if you’re having symptoms to make sure it’s not COVID.”

Doctor Kurra says the flu is on the rise in our area so the sooner people get vaccinated, the better.

About 22 percent of Monument Health’s viral respiratory tests have come back positive for influenza.