How To Tell the Difference

The common cold and COVID-19 are viral illnesses with similar symptoms. Colds are upper respiratory infections that may cause mild symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, and a low fever, with most people recovering in about a week. COVID is a viral infection that may cause cold-like symptoms but also affects other parts of the body and can lead to more severe illness in some people. 

Knowing whether you have a cold or COVID can help you manage your recovery, know when to seek medical attention, and take steps to lower the risk of spreading either infection to others.

The common cold and COVID have overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to know which you have. There are differences in how each infection affects the body, when symptoms develop, and how long they last.

Cold symptoms are typically mild to moderate, beginning one to three days after exposure to the virus, coming on gradually, and peaking by the third day. Colds usually affect your upper respiratory system (nose, mouth, throat, airways).

COVID symptoms start two to 14 days after exposure. They start mild but can gradually worsen and become severe for some people. COVID can affect your respiratory system and other areas of the body.

Some people may develop long COVID, where symptoms continue for more than three months after the initial infection. Long COVID symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations, trouble sleeping, and shortness of breath.

Different viruses cause the common cold and COVID. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID. This virus can infect your respiratory system and many other organs and systems throughout the body, including your heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.

Over 200 respiratory viruses can cause the common cold. Rhinoviruses are responsible for up to 50% of all colds. Other viruses that can cause a cold include adenoviruses, coronaviruses (different from SARS-CoV-2), enteroviruses, and parainfluenza viruses. These viruses infect the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). Most adults experience an average of two to three colds yearly.

Although different viruses cause the common cold and COVID, they spread similarly, which is through droplets in the air when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The only difference these viruses have with transmission is that COVID can also spread from particles that stay in the air for longer periods of time.

The viruses can enter the body when you breathe in these droplets or touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose. Viruses that cause colds and COVID are highly contagious, spreading before symptoms develop and while you’re sick. 

There is no cure for the common cold or COVID, but there are ways to manage symptoms and support your body’s recovery.

Cold Treatment

Most people recover from a cold within seven to 10 days. However, symptoms may last longer in children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions, like heart or lung disease. Some people experience a lingering cough for several weeks after other cold symptoms go away.  

To treat a cold: 

• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Tylenol (acetaminophen), to reduce body aches and fever
• Use a humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to thin mucus and ease nasal congestion
• Breathe in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water 
• Suck on cough drops or throat lozenges
• Use a saline nasal spray to relieve congestion
• Gargle with warm salt water to soothe a sore throat 

COVID Treatment

Treatment for COVID-19 depends on how sick you are. Most people with mild symptoms can manage their illness at home with rest, fluids, and OTC medicine. People with mild to moderate COVID usually feel better within two weeks, but others may take weeks or months to recover.  

People at higher risk for severe illness, such as older adults or those with chronic health conditions, are often prescribed antiviral or other medications to help prevent complications. Antiviral medications stop the virus from multiplying in the body and lower the risk of serious illness. These treatments work best within five to seven days after your symptoms start.

People with severe COVID may need hospital care. Hospital treatments may include additional medications, oxygen therapy, or mechanical ventilation (breathing support from a machine).

Most colds and mild cases of COVID don’t need medical treatment. However, you should see a healthcare provider promptly or seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or pressure that doesn’t go away
• Sudden abdominal pain 
• Confusion or difficulty waking up 
• Sudden dizziness 
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t improve after 10 days

If you’re 65 or older or have a chronic (long-term) health condition, contact your healthcare provider if you develop cold or COVID symptoms. They can help determine what’s causing your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. 

Colds and COVID share overlapping symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell which you have. A cold usually causes mild respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and sore throat. COVID can also cause cold-like symptoms, but can affect other body parts and systems, as well as symptoms like shortness of breath, fever, and loss of taste or smell. 

An at-home COVID test can help determine whether you have a cold or COVID. See a healthcare provider if you have severe or worsening symptoms or an underlying chronic condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent severe illness and complications.