Hey guys…Mr. Wellness here with another Wellness 101! If you’re anything like me, surviving a global pandemic while in the midst of allergy, cold and flu season can definitely make your mind race. It’s only natural to get a little anxious every time you feel a tickle in your throat, or you cough or sneeze! But before you go bolting for the emergency room, take a minute and asses your symptoms. Be sure to stick around to the end of this video for a complete side by side comparison.



Let’s talk about allergies first. For the most part, seasonal allergies are caused by airborne pollens or very fine powder released by trees, grasses and flowers as they fertilize plants of the same kind. Your key symptom indicator here is itchy watery eyes, as these symptoms are not usually associated with cold and flu or COVID-19. Also keep in mind that allergies are regularly occurring and usually mild. If you’ve had the same exact symptoms, this time last year…chances are you are experiencing seasonal allergies.


Cold and flu on the other hand are viral illnesses that usually hang around for about 7-10 days.


Flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Cold symptoms are usually milder than symptoms of the flu. Your key symptom indicator here is that people with a cold tend to have a stuffy or runny nose and takes a few days to develop. Flu on the other hand comes on quick and zaps your energy level!

And Finally, let’s talk about Cornavirus COVID-19. The coronavirus is a respiratory viral illness that can easily be spread from person to person much like the common cold or flu. Unfortunately, the initial stages of the common cold, flu and the coronavirus are very similar. It’s very important pay close attention to your symptoms.

The following is a complete breakdown of Coronavirus vs. Cold, Flu and Allergies which can be downloaded at www.SLUHN.org/COVID-19. You’ll notice the key symptom indicators for COVID-19 are cough, fever, and Shortness of breath!

We are certainly in some uneasy and scary times my friends. If you think you are coming down with something, try to stay calm and call your doctor for a virtual visit first! Let the medical professionals make the decision for you! The last thing you want to do is rush to the emergency room when you don’t have to. Not only does it put you at risk to pick up something worse, but it just adds more strain to an already taxed medical system. Until next time this is Mr. Wellness saying be well, don’t forget to smash that like button and subscribe to a YouTube channel for more Wellness 101.