How to Tell the Difference Between COVID-19 and a Cold: Symptoms Explained

Learn how to differentiate COVID-19 from a common cold by recognizing key symptoms and when to get tested for accurate diagnosis.

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To differentiate between COVID and a common cold, pay attention to the symptoms. COVID-19 can cause a wider range of symptoms, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, which are less common with a cold. A cold typically involves a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat without the severe symptoms like loss of taste or smell. For an accurate diagnosis, consider getting a COVID-19 test, especially if you experience symptoms common to COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What are the key symptoms that distinguish COVID-19 from a common cold? COVID-19 often includes fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and loss of taste or smell, while a common cold typically causes runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat without severe symptoms.
  2. When should I get tested for COVID-19 if I have cold-like symptoms? You should consider getting tested if you experience symptoms common to COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or loss of taste or smell, or if you have been exposed to someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
  3. Can a cold cause loss of taste or smell? Loss of taste or smell is uncommon with the common cold and is more characteristic of COVID-19 infection.

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