Many people may be wondering how to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 if they get sick. It's a valid question considering they may have overlapping symptoms. It is also possible to potentially get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

T​he Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that people in the U.S. may experience a serious flu season this year, as influenza cases are rising across the country. This, after several years of low flu numbers, overshadowed by COVID-19 diagnoses. It's important to protect yourself and others from getting sick, and that means getting the flu vaccine and knowing how the flu differentiates from COVID-19.

Symptom similarities

The flu and COVID-19 can look almost identical if you're just considering the symptoms. Patients of both can be asymptomatic or present with a fever, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and headache. Children with COVID-19 or the flu are more likely to have diarrhea and/or vomiting than adults. It is important to notify your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, persist, or are severe. A diagnostic test may be required to help differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu.

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Symptom differences

One of the main symptoms that may present in COVID-19 patients but not in flu patients: Change in or loss of taste or smell.

Aside from that, however, a possible difference between COVID-19 and influenza is the potential difference between serious symptoms. Some of them may include:

-Shortness of breath

-​New confusion

-Inability to wake or stay awake

-Redness and/or itching on fingers and toes

-Persistent pain or pressure in chest

Shortness of breath and chest pain can also occur in severe cases of the flu, especially if it has turned into pneumonia. If you experience any of these symptoms, regardless of which virus is causing them, you should seek medical care immediately.

Potential Complications

Both the flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia which can be life-threatening and could potentially result in lasting damage to the lungs. But other complications could also result from COVID-19. These could potentially include heart attack, stroke, or blood clots in the veins and arteries of the lungs, heart, legs, or brain.

From exposure to illness

Another possible difference between the flu and COVID-19 is how quickly each can manifest within your body after you've been infected. When a person is exposed to the flu and becomes infected, they may typically start showing symptoms within 1 to 4 days. That window could become wider with COVID-19. While it's possible to start showing symptoms just two days after becoming infected, it's more likely you may begin to develop symptoms five days after, and it could take up to 14 days.

How the viruses are spread

Since both the flu and COVID-19 are predominantly respiratory viruses, they're typically passed from person-to-person via droplets or aerosols that are released when coughing, sneezing or talking. That's why close, prolonged interaction without protective face coverings is considered high risk. Both can also be spread by touching an infected surface, like a doorknob or elevator button and then touching one’s own mouth, nose, or possibly eyes. The best way to help prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. You should also wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

If you start exhibiting symptoms of the flu or COVID-19, it is important to stay home and isolate from others when sick and notify a healthcare provider who may recommend you get tested for one or both of the viruses.

Know your potential flu risk. Check out the Flu Tracker on The Weather Channel App.