The annual convergence of respiratory illnesses the common cold the flu (influenza) and COVID19 presents a persistent public health challenge making it difficult to discern one from the others based on symptoms alone. All three are caused by viruses and share a wide range of overlapping signs including fever fatigue cough sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. Knowing how to distinguish these conditions and crucially how to prevent severe outcomes is vital for individual and community health.The most definitive way to differentiate between flu and COVID19 is testing. Combination test kits that detect both viruses are widely available. A key differentiating symptom for some COVID19 cases is the sudden loss of taste or smell which is uncommo
