How to Tell if You Have COVID-19 vs. the Common Cold, According to Doctors
Life during the novel coronavirus pandemic means it’s easy to have any cold-like symptom and worry that you’ve got COVID-19. Of course, other culprits like allergies, the flu, and the good ol’ common cold remain a possible explanation for a bad case of the sniffles.
Every year, millions of Americans get the common cold, with an average of two to three colds per year, and kids tend to get sick even more often, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All in all, colds are responsible for more doctor’s appointments than any other health condition.
Wondering if you or someone you care about might have COVID-19 or just a cold? Here’s what you need to know about how the symptoms overlap and what you can do to stay healthy, with expert insight from doctors.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 vs. the common cold?
“Unfortunately, there is a lot of overlap between COVID-19 and cold symptoms,” says Sandra Kesh, M.D., deputy medical director and infectious disease specialist at Westmed Medical Group in Westchester, New York.
If you have COVID-19, you may develop a wide range of symptoms two to fourteen days after exposure to the virus. Here are the main ones to look out for:
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Initial symptoms of the common cold, on the other hand, tend to appear two to three days after exposure to a cold virus and typically last two days to two weeks. They may include:
Runny nose
Congestion
Sneezing
Weakened sense of taste and smell
Scratchy throat
Cough
Headaches
Body aches
Both COVID-19 and the common cold are highly contagious and can spread through the air, close personal contact, and when you touch infected surfaces and then your face before washing your hands.
How can you tell if you have a cold or COVID-19?
“In general, sneezing and significant nasal congestion are more typical of a common cold and less typical of COVID-19,” says Ashley Sens, M.D., pediatrician and chief medical officer for Dignity Health Woodland Clinic in Davis, Calif. A loss of smell is a more distinctive symptom of COVID-19, along with digestive issues, a dry cough, and difficulty breathing, adds Dr. Kesh.
However, COVID-19 has been called “the great imitator” for good reason. Early on, it’s easy to mistake for a cold or other common illnesses like the flu. As such, “the safest thing to do is call your doctor to discuss your symptoms if you’re feeling ill,” says Dr. Sens. Only testing for COVID-19 can tell you for sure whether you have COVID-19 or a cold.
When should you see your doctor if you’re experiencing COVID-19 or cold-like symptoms?
If you’re having symptoms you suspect could be COVID-19, a cold, or even the flu, the most important thing to do is to quarantine yourself and call your doctor as soon as possible. “Because the risks associated with COVID-19 worsen rapidly whereas the risk of a common cold causing critical illness is quite low, it is a good idea to touch base with your doctor by phone at the first sight of illness, even if you think you just have a cold,” says Dr. Sens.
Err on the side of caution and ask your doctor about getting a COVID-19 test and plan to regularly check in with them in order to keep track of your symptoms, especially if they get worse, says Dr. Kesh. After a series of questions, your doctor can help you determine the best next steps for your situation and provide important information about how to quarantine and when you can safely return to work or school.
Emergency warning signs of COVID-19 that call for immediate medical care include trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face, per the CDC.
While most people will recover from a cold in a week or so and rest and self-care can help ease your symptoms, it’s possible to develop a sinus or ear infection, acute bronchitis, or pneumonia as well. In light of this, contact a doctor if your cold symptoms are unusually severe or you have a high fever, chills, ear pain, sinus-type headache, worsening cough, or GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
How to stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic
First, get your flu shot, which can help protect you from catching the flu and significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick. “I recommend that all of my patients get the flu shot so they can safeguard themselves as much as possible,” says Dr. Kesh. Aim to get yours by the end of October for the greatest protection during flu season, the CDC recommends.
Otherwise, the habits you’ve developed to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 can also help reduce your chances of catching a cold.
Practice social distancing and wear a mask in public
Frequently wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
Have hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol on hand to use when you’re out and about
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Cover a sneeze or cough with a tissue
Regularly disinfect surfaces, especially high-use ones such as door knobs, phones, children’s toys, and tables
Avoid large gatherings
Avoid unnecessary travel
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Self-quarantine and contact your doctor if you feel sick
And remember: Even if everyone around you seems healthy, they could still be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, notes Dr. Kesh. For this reason, it’s best to keep your mask on when you’re indoors with people outside of your household—even if they’re friends and family.
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