Hi dr i have flu symptoms. yellow phlegm, body is aching, my throat is sore. yesterday i had a headache. i was convinced i had covid until i read having mucus isnt part of covid. id go to a near but i need to make sure first. what could be wrong?

Respiratory infectio: Hi. I hope you few better. The symptoms you have is upper retract infection. Which could be Viral or bacterial. Viral infection by itself can not cause phlegm unless it’s superinfection with bacteria on top of the virus. Otherwise other symptoms like sore throat, headaches, and muscle pain are same symptoms. If you have not lost your smell or tastes, no shortness of breath or chest pain no cov.

COVID 19 concerns: Not everyone with COVID 19 has a "dry cough". At this point you could have a bacterial or viral infection (to include COVID 19 or influenza) amongst other diagnoses. In South Africa- one consults with a medical provider who will determine need for COVID 19 testing. Consult your local primary care provider or you can use telemedicine for individual consultations.