COVID-19 and the common cold can share similar symptoms, but there also are symptoms that distinguish the two from each other.
Here is what to know about some of the important differences between these illnesses, and how you might be able to know the difference, short of getting tested for COVID-19.
Both COVID-19 and the common cold stem from viruses, according to The Mayo Clinic.
COVID-19 stems from SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold develops most often from rhinoviruses.
These viruses spread in similar paths and spur many of the same signs and symptoms in an infected person.
However, there are some differences. For example, sneezing is a common symptom of the common cold but rare in COVID-19.
There have been cases of COVID-19 where loss of taste or smell is common. That is very unlikely with the common cold.
Both viruses share the following symptoms, which make it harder to distinguish between the viruses without getting tested for COVID-19 first:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
This is why health officials advise getting tested for COVID-19 if you experience any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 appear two-to-14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Common cold symptoms appear one-to-three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.
According to The Mayo Clinic, you can get COVID-19 and the cold at the same time.
The only way to tell, ultimately, whether you have the common cold or COVID-19 is to get tested for COVID-19 and see your health care provider.
Simply trying to diagnose the illness just based off symptoms will not determine whether you actually have one or the other.
Related stories about COVID-19:
Are my symptoms COVID or the flu? How do I know the difference between viruses?
The Delta variant symptoms to look out for if you are fully vaccinated
Is it safe to get a flu shot and a COVID vaccine at the same time?
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.