Winter Illness Symptom Checklist
With many respiratory illness displaying similar symptoms as each other, it can be hard to tell what sickness you have. See our list of common illnesses and their symptoms to help you know what to do.
Remember, if you are not feeling well, please stay home unless you are visiting the doctor, in order to help stop the spread of your illness to others even if you don’t have COVID-19. T Newsome, MD internal medicine physician with Adventist Medical Group, highlights symptoms for common illnesses and what you should do if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Emergency symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Confusion
- Difficulty waking up or staying awake
- Pale lips, nail beds and skin (depending on skin tone)
Talk to your doctor if you’re at risk for severe illness. While many people experience common COVID-19 symptoms that can be treated at home, call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency department if you begin to develop emergency symptoms.
Tonsillitis Symptoms
Symptoms of tonsillitis can include:
- Red, swollen tonsils
- White or yellow patches on the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Fever
- Enlarged, tender glands in the neck
- Scratchy, muffled or throaty voice
- Bad breath
- Stomachache
- Neck pain or stiff neck
- Headache
Young children may exhibit these additional symptoms:
- Increased drooling due to painful swallowing
- Refusal to eat
- Unusual fussiness
Tonsillitis can look like strep throat. Stay home and call your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Strep Throat Symptoms
Strep throat symptoms can include:
- Throat pain that comes on quickly
- Painful swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils
- White patches or streaks of pus on tonsils
- Tiny red spots towards the back of the roof of the mouth
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea or vomiting
- Body aches
Stay home and call your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed. Your doctor will need to prescribe you an antibiotic to help clear up your symptoms.
Common Cold Symptoms
Common cold symptoms may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Slight body aches
- Mild headache
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever
- Generally feeling unwell
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please stay home until you are feeling better.
Flu Symptoms
Common flu symptoms consist of:
- Fever
- Aching muscles
- Chills and sweats
- Headache
- Dry, persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and weakness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhea
The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, stay home and call your doctor. There may be medications and supportive care that can help with symptoms.
Stomach Virus Symptoms
Symptoms you may experience with a stomach virus include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Occasional muscle aches or headache
- Low-grade fever
Stay home if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. Stomach viruses usually clear up within 24 to 48 hours. Stay home an extra day to give your body another day of recovery so you don’t pick up any other illnesses while your immunity is low.
Sinus Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of a sinus infection can include the following:
- Pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow or forehead
- Worsening pain lying down
- Stuffy nose
- Fatigue
Call your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Sinus infections can clear up on their own or in some cases, you may need an antibiotic.
Seasonal Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal Allergy symptoms can be similar to a cold and include:
- Itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
Occasionally you may experience:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fatigue
Over the counter allergy medications can help to soothe any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Dr. Newsome explains, “It is important that you stay home if you are feeling ill or don’t quite feel like yourself. By staying home, you’re protecting yourself from picking up other illnesses and others by not spreading your illness.”
