Covid-19 vs Cold
Posted October 7, 2022 by Anusha ‐ 1 min read
COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads through respiratory droplets released when someone breathes, coughs, sneezes, talks or sings.
Differences between Covid-19 and Cold
Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses.
COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses.
These viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same signs and symptoms.
While COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.
There’s no cure for the common cold.
Treatment may include pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants.
Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually harmless.
Most people recover from a common cold in three to 10 days, although some colds may last as long as two or three weeks.
Symptoms check
| Symptom or sign | COVID-19 | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Cough | Usually seen (dry) | Usually seen |
| Muscle aches | Usually seen | Observed Sometimes |
| Tiredness | Usually seen | Observed Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Rarely observed | Observed Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Usually seen | Usually seen |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Usually seen | Usually seen |
| Fever | Usually seen | Observed Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Observed Sometimes | Never |
| Nausea or vomiting | Observed Sometimes | Never |
| New loss of taste or smell | Usually (early — often without a runny or stuffy nose) | Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose) |