Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

The difference between coronavirus and cold symptoms lies in the fact that while both may be present with similar symptoms, COVID-19 often includes additional signs like loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing. The Coronavirus (specifically referring to COVID-19) and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes coronavirus disease and the common cold is commonly caused by rhinovirus. In this article, we will cover the major differences between coronavirus and cold symptoms.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus refers to a family of viruses that can cause respiratory diseases in humans and animals. The most recent strain, SARS-CoV-2, is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by symptoms ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory problems. This novel coronavirus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets, making prevention measures such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and vaccination crucial in controlling its transmission.

Common Symptoms of Coronavirus

The symptoms of coronavirus are as follows:

• Fever (usually high-grade)
• Cough (typically dry cough)
• Shortness of the breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Congestion or runny nose (less common)
• Nausea or vomiting, diarrhea (less common)

It’s important to the note that COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to the severe and some individuals may experience no symptoms at all (asymptomatic). Additionally COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2 to the 14 days after exposure to virus.

Transmission of Coronavirus

• Human-to-Human: Primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Surface Contamination: Possible but not the primary mode of the transmission.

Severity

• Varied: Can range from mild symptoms to severe respiratory distress, especially in the vulnerable populations.

What is Common Cold?

The common cold is often caused by rhinoviruses. It is a viral infection primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms typically include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing. Most colds resolve on their own within a week or two, although they can cause discomfort and temporary disruption to daily life. Unlike more severe respiratory illnesses like influenza or COVID-19, colds generally do not lead to serious complications in healthy people.

Common Symptoms of Common Cold

The symptoms of common cold are as follows:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough (usually milder than in COVID-19)
• Mild headache
• Fatigue or tiredness (usually mild)
• Mild body aches
• Mild fever (less common)
• Mild to moderate loss of the taste or smell (less common)

Transmission of Common Cold

• Human-to-Human: Through respiratory droplets similar to COVID-19.
• Touch Contamination: More common as cold viruses can survive on surfaces.

Severity

• Mild to Moderate: Cold symptoms are usually less severe than COVID-19.

Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

The below table lists the major differences between coronavirus and cold symptoms:

Symptom	Coronavirus (COVID-19)	Common Cold
Fever	Common, often high	Rare
Cough	Common, dry cough	Common, typically milder
Shortness of Breath	Common, especially in severe cases	Rare
Fatigue	Common	Common
Body Aches	Common	Slight
Loss of Taste or Smell	Common	Rare
Sore Throat	Less common	Common
Runny or Stuffy Nose	Less common	Common
Headache	Less common	Common
Respiratory Problems	Common	Sometimes

Importance of Distinguishing Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Understanding the differences between the two symptoms is important because:

• COVID-19 is highly contagious and can lead to severe illness or death making early identification crucial for the appropriate medical care and isolation.
• Proper differentiation between the cold and COVID-19 symptoms helps in the preventing unnecessary anxiety and panic among individuals experiencing mild respiratory symptoms.
• Differentiating between two conditions help healthcare professionals in the efficiently allocating the resources and implementing appropriate public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Conclusion – Difference Between Coronavirus and Cold Symptoms

Differentiating between the coronavirus and cold symptoms is crucial for early identification, isolation and appropriate medical care. While some symptoms overlap specific indicators like loss of the taste or smell can help distinguish COVID-19. Staying informed and seeking medical advice when needed contributes to the individual and public health.

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FAQs on Coronavirus vs. Cold Symptoms

Can a Cold lead to Severe Respiratory Distress like COVID-19?

No, colds generally cause milder respiratory symptoms compared to COVID-19.

Is a Runny Nose a Common Symptom of COVID-19?

It’s less common loss of the taste or smell is a more distinctive COVID-19 symptom.

Can Fatigue be a Symptom of the both COVID-19 and the Common Cold?

Yes, fatigue is a shared symptom but it may be more severe in COVID-19.

Is COVID-19 more Contagious than the Common Cold?

The modes of transmission are similar but COVID-19 can be more contagious in some cases.

How do you know if it’s COVID or a cold?

Cold symptoms are typically not too severe. You can be experiencing sore throat, congestion, coughing, and runny nose. However, you won’t typically experience the fever and aches associated with COVID-19 and the flu. You’ll usually feel better in a few days.