Both the common cold and COVID-19 are respiratory diseases, but they are caused by different viruses: the cold is most often the result of Rhinoviruses, while COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Because both viruses spread through similar means and affect the same body systems, their initial symptoms can overlap significantly. Distinguishing between the two based only on how a person feels is difficult, but understanding the typical presentation and timeline of each illness can help inform the appropriate next steps.
Comparing Common Symptoms
Many symptoms associated with a cold are also common in a mild case of COVID-19. Both illnesses frequently present with upper respiratory symptoms that involve the nasal passages and throat. Shared manifestations include a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.
A mild cough is also frequent in both conditions, often resulting from post-nasal drip or throat irritation. For the common cold, these milder symptoms tend to be the primary manifestation of the illness. For COVID-19, these symptoms may be part of a broader or more severe clinical picture, especially early in the infection.
Key Distinguishing Symptoms
While many symptoms overlap, certain signs are far more characteristic of one illness over the other. The most definitive distinguishing symptom for COVID-19 is the new loss of taste or smell. Although this symptom has become less common with newer virus variants, its presence strongly indicates a SARS-CoV-2 infection rather than a cold.
Symptoms like fever, fatigue, and muscle or body aches are also more frequently reported and tend to be more severe with COVID-19 than with the common cold. While a mild fever can occur with a cold, a sustained, high-grade fever is more typical of a COVID-19 infection. The presence of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea) is a serious symptom often associated with COVID-19 and is not a common feature of the cold.
Onset and Duration Differences
The timeline of symptom appearance and resolution can offer a clue. A common cold typically has a short incubation period, with symptoms often appearing rapidly within one to three days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually peak quickly and tend to resolve within seven to ten days.
The incubation period for COVID-19 is often longer, with symptoms generally appearing anywhere from two to fourteen days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The illness can progress more slowly or symptoms may worsen significantly over time, sometimes lasting beyond two weeks. This slower, progressive timeline helps distinguish COVID-19 from the faster-developing common cold.
The Role of Testing and Next Steps
Because of the extensive overlap in symptoms, testing remains the only accurate method for determining whether symptoms are caused by a common cold or by SARS-CoV-2. Current recommendations advise testing, especially if an individual has distinguishing COVID-19 symptoms or has had a known exposure to someone with the illness.
Home antigen tests provide quick results and are widely available for immediate screening. If the rapid test is negative but symptoms persist or worsen, a more sensitive PCR test or repeat rapid testing is often recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Regardless of the test result, public health guidance suggests that anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with others to limit viral spread. Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or an inability to wake or stay awake.
A mild cough is also a frequent complaint in both conditions, often resulting from post-nasal drip or throat irritation. For the common cold, these milder symptoms tend to be the primary manifestation of the illness. For COVID-19, these symptoms may be present but accompany or precede the development of a broader or more severe clinical picture.
Key Distinguishing Symptoms
While many symptoms overlap, certain signs are far more characteristic of one illness over the other and serve as better markers for differentiation. The most definitive distinguishing symptom for COVID-19 is the new loss of taste or smell, known as anosmia or ageusia. Although this symptom has become less common with newer virus variants, its presence strongly indicates a SARS-CoV-2 infection rather than a cold.
Symptoms like fever, profound fatigue, and muscle or body aches are also more frequently reported and tend to be more severe with COVID-19 than with the common cold. While a mild fever can occur with a cold, a sustained or high-grade fever is more typical of a COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the presence of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, known as dyspnea, is a serious symptom often associated with COVID-19 and is not a common feature of the cold.
Onset and Duration Differences
The timeline of symptom appearance and resolution can offer a clue separate from the symptoms themselves. A common cold typically has a short incubation period, with symptoms often appearing rapidly within one to three days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms usually peak quickly and tend to resolve within seven to ten days in most people, though some colds may last up to two weeks.
The incubation period for COVID-19 is often longer, with symptoms generally appearing anywhere from two to fourteen days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The illness can also progress more slowly or symptoms may worsen significantly over time, sometimes lasting considerably longer than the flu or cold. This slower, potentially progressive timeline for symptom development is a temporal difference that can help distinguish COVID-19 from the faster-developing common cold.
The Role of Testing and Next Steps
Because of the extensive overlap in symptoms, relying on how one feels is not a definitive way to distinguish between the two infections. Testing remains the only accurate method for determining whether symptoms are caused by a common cold or by SARS-CoV-2. Current recommendations advise testing, especially if an individual has distinguishing COVID-19 symptoms or has had a known exposure to someone with the illness.
Home antigen tests, also known as rapid tests, provide quick results and are widely available for immediate screening. If the rapid test is negative but symptoms persist or worsen, a more sensitive PCR test or repeat rapid testing is often recommended to confirm the diagnosis. Regardless of the test result, public health guidance suggests that anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home and avoid close contact with others to limit viral spread. Immediate medical attention should be sought if symptoms include trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or an inability to wake or stay awake.