As respiratory viruses become more widespread during fall and winter, it can be difficult to tell the difference between common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Symptoms often overlap, but understanding the distinctions is crucial for managing your health and protecting those around you.

According to Dr. William Brian Glenn from Hackensack Meridian Medical Group, while all three illnesses share similar symptoms, some unique signs can help differentiate them. Colds, the flu, and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, but they all present with cough, sore throat, runny nose, and general fatigue. However, COVID-19 comes with additional symptoms, including loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, nausea, and in some cases, diarrhea or vomiting.

One of the first indicators is the onset of symptoms. Colds generally appear gradually over time, while flu symptoms are more sudden and intense. In contrast, COVID-19 symptoms may take anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure to surface. Additionally, while colds are often mild, COVID-19 can progress to more severe conditions such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, particularly in high-risk individuals.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups are more susceptible to severe complications from these respiratory infections. According to Dr. Glenn, older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are at higher risk. Individuals on immunosuppressive medications are also more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

If you fall into a high-risk category, it’s important to discuss your prevention strategies with a healthcare provider. Vaccines for both flu and COVID-19 are highly recommended and can protect against severe illness.

For those planning to travel, it's vital to check the flu and COVID-19 vaccine guidelines for your destination, as cold and flu seasons vary across regions.

How to Protect Yourself

While there is no foolproof way to avoid illness, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

2. Use a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.

3. Particularly in crowded spaces or areas with poor ventilation.

4. Regularly clean frequently touched objects like doorknobs and light switches.

5. Keep your body hydrated and get plenty of rest to support your immune system.

Comparing Cold, Flu, and COVID-19 Symptoms

Despite their similarities, there are a few distinctions between colds, the flu, and COVID-19. Below is a breakdown of the key differences in symptoms:

Symptom	Common Cold	Flu	COVID-19
Fever	Rare	Common (high fever)	Common, often prolonged
Cough	Mild	Dry, can be severe	Dry, persistent, can worsen
Fatigue	Mild	Common, sudden onset	Common, can be severe
Muscle Aches	Mild	Common, often intense	Common, often intense
Loss of Taste/Smell	Rare	Rare	Common, unique to COVID-19
Shortness of Breath	No	Rare	Common in severe cases
Runny Nose/Sneezing	Common	Sometimes	Less common

*information provided in this table is for informational purposes only

When to See a Doctor

While colds generally resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter remedies, there are times when you should consult a healthcare provider. Use the following checklist to determine if you should seek medical help:

- Fever lasting more than three days

- Difficulty breathing or chest pain

- Persistent cough with green or yellow mucus

- Sudden loss of taste or smell

- Severe body aches or fatigue that worsens over time

- Vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in children

- Symptoms that worsen after initial improvement

Why Testing Is Important

Because of the symptom overlap, the only reliable way to distinguish between COVID-19 and the flu is through testing. COVID-19 rapid tests are available in many pharmacies and healthcare centers. If you're feeling unsure about your symptoms, getting tested can provide clarity and help prevent spreading the illness to others.

The winter season brings with it an increased risk of respiratory illnesses. While symptoms of colds, the flu, and COVID-19 can be similar, understanding the subtle differences is essential for treatment and prevention. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed, following health guidelines, and getting vaccinated when necessary.

Proper hygiene, timely vaccination, and monitoring of symptoms can significantly reduce the chances of severe illness and help you navigate the cold and flu season with confidence.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this table is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment based on your specific symptoms and health condition.

When we hear of any 'heart disease', high blood pressure or chest pain often come to mind. But what if your lips were quietly warning of an undiagnosed, life-threatening heart condition? A rare congenital defect called Ebstein’s anomaly may do just that—and many people don’t even realize it.

This congenital defect in the heart may go undetected for years, until a small indication such as blue or greyish tinting of the lips or nails indicates something much more critical: your blood may be circulating in the wrong direction inside your heart. Our bodies tend to communicate with us in soft, subtle language. A hint of blue in your lips, unexplained fatigue, or difficulty breathing could be more than just everyday exhaustion—they may be clues pointing to a serious underlying heart condition.

What Is Ebstein’s Anomaly?

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital heart defect—i.e., it exists at birth. It occurs in about one out of every 200,000 live births and represents fewer than 1% of all congenital heart defects. Although rare, it is a serious condition that needs to be monitored closely and treated.

The condition mostly influences the tricuspid valve, which is among the four heart valves that govern blood circulation into and out of the heart. In a normal heart, the tricuspid valve directs the blood in the right direction from the right atrium to the right ventricle. The valve in persons with Ebstein's anomaly is deformed and fails to seal correctly, making it possible for blood to pass backward—a situation referred to as regurgitation.

This reversed flow can enlarge the upper chamber (right atrium) and shrink and weaken the lower chamber (right ventricle), decreasing the efficiency of the heart. In the long run, this extra workload may result in heart failure, provided it is not treated.

Symptoms of Ebstein's Anomaly

Although most individuals with Ebstein's anomaly have no symptoms during childhood, others become aware of the condition years after it occurred—usually during tests for irregular heart rhythms or difficulty breathing on exertion.

One of the most subtle yet revealing symptoms? Blue or grey discoloration on the lips and fingernails, which is known as cyanosis. It's a sign of inadequate oxygen flow—meaning not enough oxygenated blood is being efficiently pumped around the body.

What is more concerning is that such discoloration may be less apparent on darker-skinned individuals, so early detection is even more difficult. In most instances, these symptoms are overlooked or blamed on other factors such as cold or tiredness.

Why Is Ebstein's Anomaly Often Misdiagnosed or Missed?

Even with warning signs, Ebstein's anomaly can be overlooked, particularly in people with less severe forms of the condition. Since many of the symptoms are nonspecific—such as fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations—they can be attributed to stress, anxiety, or lifestyle issues.

It is sometimes identified in babies at birth during routine tests, particularly if a heart murmur is heard. A murmur is a whooshing noise caused by turbulent blood flow through the heart, usually picked up by an examining physician with a stethoscope.

Most adults do not receive a diagnosis until much later, usually while being screened for atrial septal defects (ASD) or patent foramen ovale (PFO)—both of which occur commonly in conjunction with Ebstein's anomaly.

Risks of Untreated Ebstein's Anomaly

If left untreated or undiagnosed, Ebstein's anomaly can cause severe complications, such as:

• Enlargement and weakening of the heart
• Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias)
• Increasing heart failure
• Stroke or blood clotting due to pooling of blood

The British Heart Foundation alerts that the reversed flow of blood can put severe wear and tear on the heart muscle over time, causing worsening cardiac function and potentially fatal consequences.

Is there a Treatment for Ebstein's Anomaly?

Treatment of Ebstein's anomaly is based on several factors, such as the severity of the malformation, whether there are symptoms, and associated heart disease. Mild cases might only require follow-up and medication, whereas severe presentations might necessitate surgical correction or valve replacement.

In certain instances, catheter-based interventions can be employed to fix irregular heart rhythms or seal accompanying defects. More complicated cases might involve open-heart surgery, and in extreme situations, heart transplantation is an option.

More sophisticated treatment regimens now also encompass dual immunotherapy regimens and targeted radiotherapy, particularly for patients who could be diagnosed later in life with added complications.

With growing awareness of such unusual congenital cardiac anomalies as Ebstein's anomaly, it is all the more imperative that those affected—and their doctors—take careful notice of these symptoms, particularly if they increase or persist over time.

If you or someone close to you notice symptoms of bluish coloration around the lips, palpitations, or abnormal breathlessness, have a detailed cardiac assessment undertaken. Quick detection and intervention can make all the difference in overall well-being and quality of life down the road.

In a heartbreaking yet urgent reminder of the gaps that can exist in cancer follow-ups and survivorship care, a 38-year-old mother from Kent, England is now battling stage 4 brain cancer after being repeatedly assured by her doctors that she was cancer-free. Kelly’s fight with melanoma began in 2017, when she noticed a strange dark line on her fingernail. Though it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue to many, it became a life-altering clue. Medical professionals initially failed to find any cancerous cells but advised her to monitor it. As months passed, the line thickened, prompting a diagnosis of melanoma that eventually led to the amputation of her fingertip in 2020.

Despite the severity of the diagnosis, Kelly was repeatedly reassured that her cancer was in its earliest form—classified as stage 0 and therefore considered "non-spreadable." But Kelly wasn’t convinced. She requested additional scans to be safe. Her pleas were dismissed.

“I wish I had been that annoying patient who kept going,” she now says.

In 2022, Kelly’s worst fears came true. A lump appeared in her armpit, confirming that the melanoma had spread to her lymphatic system. The finding drastically altered her treatment path—she underwent surgery to remove 20 lymph nodes and later received aggressive immunotherapy.

By October 2023, she was told her scans were clear. In April 2024, Kelly was officially in remission. Two weeks later, she found out she was pregnant with her fourth child.

It was a joyous moment—but it wouldn’t last long.

At 35 weeks pregnant, Kelly experienced a seizure that led to an emergency hospitalization. Doctors performed a scan and delivered devastating news: the cancer had spread to her brain. She was now facing terminal, stage 4 brain cancer. Within days, she delivered her baby via C-section and soon after, underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor.

“The surgeons had to leave part of the tumor because removing it entirely would have caused permanent paralysis on my left side,” she explained. “That’s why I’ll now undergo targeted radiotherapy.”

Kelly’s case challenges the traditional protocols of cancer remission, underscoring a critical truth: clear scans are not always a guarantee that the disease is gone.

Kelly’s story is filled with poignant what-ifs. She wonders what might have been different if doctors had acted on her earlier concerns or if they had performed the scan she had begged for after her fingertip amputation.

“I don’t think I’ve fully accepted that I have terminal cancer,” she admits. “There’s a 50 percent chance the new immunotherapy treatment will work, but it’s hit or miss. It’s terrifying.”

Her words speak volumes to cancer survivors worldwide who often experience anxiety and lingering doubts even after receiving an all-clear.

One disturbing aspect of Kelly’s experience is the persistent dismissal of her concerns by medical professionals. What she experienced is now widely recognized as medical gaslighting—a phenomenon where patients, especially women, are told their symptoms are “in their head” or “not serious.”

Whether due to systemic issues, implicit gender bias, or pressure to limit costly imaging, patients are too often discouraged from advocating for themselves.

Healthcare experts argue that self-advocacy should be seen not as a nuisance but as a necessity. “Any doctor who won’t help you search for answers when you're suffering isn’t a good doctor,” said a leading U.S. oncologist when asked about cases like Kelly’s.

Kelly Heather’s story isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a public health warning. Her plea to the world is simple but powerful: “Do more tests.”

She wants women, in particular, to realize that being proactive can mean the difference between life and death. Even when scans appear clear, symptoms or gut instincts shouldn't be ignored.

As science advances, survivorship care must also evolve—from one-size-fits-all follow-ups to more personalized approaches, especially in patients with previous late-stage cancers.

Why Women Should Push Doctors for More Tests?

Medical experts increasingly agree on a vital truth: women must trust their intuition when it comes to their health and push for more thorough diagnostic care, especially in complex or recurring conditions. Historically, women’s symptoms have been downplayed or misinterpreted, often leading to delayed diagnoses in conditions ranging from autoimmune disorders to cancer.

In the case of cancer, remission doesn't always guarantee eradication. Sometimes, rogue cancer cells escape detection and resurface in more aggressive forms—something Kelly Heather’s story painfully illustrates. Pushing for extra scans, follow-ups, or second opinions shouldn’t be viewed as paranoia; it should be considered a smart, preventive measure.

Women are also more likely to be dismissed when they express concern over subtle or unexplained symptoms. Persistent fatigue, body pain, or changes that don’t feel “normal” deserve full attention and clinical investigation.

You know your body best. If something feels off—even when tests say otherwise—it’s your right to question it. Don’t settle for “wait and see.” Whether you’ve survived cancer or are just concerned about unusual symptoms, insist on getting the tests and answers you need. Your voice matters, and it could save your life.

A 30-year-old woman recently revealed a shocking side effect of Ozempic that has left everyone worried. Taking to Instagram, Avery shared that after taking the popular weight loss drug for a year, she was diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis, which causes the excessive loss of bone density. Her news has sparked a debate against the abuse of weight-loss drugs and their long-term effect on one's health.

Avery admitted to using Ozempic as part of her struggle with an eating disorder and getting the medication without a doctor's prescription. She said she deeply regrets using it and advised others to watch out. "I am in kind of a shock right now because I never thought this," she posted through her tearful message. "Ozempic can cause bone loss of density, and I never thought that this was going to happen to me because I was only taking it for a year. I have osteoporosis and osteopenia. Ozempic is very easy to get nowadays, and people all over are getting their hands on it. But don't do it. I messed up. Please learn from my mistake."

Weight Loss Drugs Linked To Low Bone Density

Clinical research has associated the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, with bone density loss. A JAMA Network Open Study confirmed that patients taking liraglutide had lower bone density than those who did not. The participants—aged 18 to 65—were randomly split into four groups for one year: one that exercised and received a placebo, one that received just a placebo, a group that received Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug liraglutide and another group that received liraglutide and exercised. Liraglutide, like Semaglutide (Ozempic) is a GLP-1 angonist but less dense.

A trial of 195 adults with obesity found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of drugs used to treat diabetes, resulted in reduced hip and spine bone mineral density when used without exercise compared to a placebo or exercise alone, researchers said.

Does Ozempic Have Side Effects?

As reiterated by doctors and health care experts, Ozempic is a drug that is tasked to help diabetic patients manage their blood sugar levels and weight. However, recent research has shown its effectiveness in mitigating various addictions like alcohol and drugs by inhibiting hormones. But what people ignore are its side effects, which include:

Nausea is a frequent side effect, especially when starting Ozempic or increasing the dose, and vomiting may occur along with nausea.

Diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort also show up in people using Ozempic, but they generally resolve as your body adjusts.

Ozempic can reduce appetite but may also lead to unintended weight loss or reduced food intake, causing discomfort for some people.

There are certain less common, but serious side effects also, like Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.

This drug may also cause severe kidney issues, particularly if dehydration occurs from side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea.