The shared symptoms of common colds and COVID-19 often create confusion about test results. Understanding the distinctions between these viruses and how diagnostic tests function is important for accurate assessment.
Cold Viruses Versus SARS-CoV-2
The common cold and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, yet they originate from different viral families. Common colds are typically caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and several types of coronaviruses that are distinct from SARS-CoV-2. These viruses primarily infect the upper respiratory tract, leading to mild symptoms.
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While both affect the respiratory system, SARS-CoV-2 has a different genetic makeup and can cause a broader range of illness severity. Distinct viral structures and genetic sequences allow diagnostic tests to differentiate between these pathogens.
How COVID Tests Identify the Virus
COVID-19 tests identify components unique to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests detect specific genetic material (RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, amplifying tiny amounts of viral RNA for detection even in early infection.
Rapid antigen tests detect specific proteins on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These tests function like a lock and key system, activating only when they encounter SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Cold viruses have different genetic material and surface proteins, so they will not trigger a positive COVID-19 test result.
Overlapping Symptoms
The significant overlap in symptoms between common colds and COVID-19 often leads to questions about positive test results. Both can cause a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. This similarity makes self-diagnosis challenging.
Other shared symptoms include headache, body aches, and sometimes a low-grade fever. This symptomatic ambiguity highlights why testing is important. Distinguishing between these illnesses based solely on how one feels is often not possible.
Next Steps If You Have Symptoms
If you experience cold-like symptoms and test negative for COVID-19, continued monitoring of your health is advisable. Your symptoms might be due to a common cold or another respiratory virus circulating. Rest and symptomatic relief, such as over-the-counter medications, are generally recommended for managing mild symptoms.
Should your symptoms worsen, change, or if you develop new symptoms like shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell, retesting for COVID-19 may be appropriate. It is also prudent to consider isolating yourself to prevent the spread of any respiratory illness. Consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended if your symptoms are severe or persistent, or if you have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk.