The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection (URI), is a viral infection of the upper airway (nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx) but can also affect the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, and lungs). Colds are the most common cause of illness in people.

By comparison, the virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2, which belongs to the family of coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that begins in the upper airways and can quickly progress to infections in the lower respiratory tract, causing severe illness.

As of January 2023, over 100 million cases of COVID-19 had been recorded in the United States since the start of the pandemic in 2020. The common cold, however, is estimated to account for approximately 1 billion new cases annually in the United States.

This article will explain the similarities between the common cold and COVID-19 and include information on the diagnosis and treatment of each illness.

Common Cold vs. COVID-19

The common cold and COVID-19 share symptoms. However, the symptoms of COVID-19 are generally more serious and can progress to severe disease, even death. The severity of COVID-19 symptoms also increases if you have underlying health conditions, are unvaccinated, or are 65 or older.

That said, it’s important to note that while some people infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic (showing no symptoms), they can still be contagious. Common symptoms of the common cold and COVID-19 include:

These viruses spread in similar ways, such as through respiratory droplets when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes. People can also contract these illnesses by touching surfaces contaminated with either SARS-CoV-2 or rhinoviruses and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Differences

A key difference between the common cold and COVID-19 is the incubation period (time of exposure to an infection and the appearance of the first symptoms).

For the common cold, the incubation period is relatively short, usually one to three days. For COVID-19, the incubation period can range anywhere from two to 14 days.

If you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID-19 symptoms, you should do the following:

If you develop symptoms, you should isolate immediately, get tested, and stay home until you find out the result. At least five full days after exposure, you should get tested even if you don’t have symptoms. If the test is negative, continue to take precautions, like wearing a mask, until day 10. If positive, isolate immediately and stay home for at least five days. Regardless of your vaccination status or previous infection, wear a mask when around other people for 10 days after exposure.

Diagnosis

Colds are usually diagnosed by their symptoms alone as there is no lab test for cold viruses. But since there is an overlap in symptoms with colds and COVID-19, taking a COVID-19 test can help determine what is causing your illness. As well, your healthcare provider may test you for influenza.

COVID-19 tests can detect SARS-CoV-2, or antibodies that your body makes after getting COVID-19 or getting vaccinated.

Tests for SARS-CoV-2 tell you if you have an infection at the time of the test. This type of test is called a viral test because it looks for viral infection. Examples of viral tests include antigen (pieces of viral protein) and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). Both are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are generally free of charge.

When you get a COVID-19 test, you can select a rapid antigen test or laboratory PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. A healthcare professional will take a sample of cells from your nose, mouth, or throat.

Rapid antigen tests are usually performed in minutes, while laboratory tests can take up to seven days to complete depending on testing demands. Same-day laboratory tests are also available in certain locations but may require a fee.

You also have the option of taking an at-home COVID-19 test. Rapid antigen tests are available to use at home. If you have a positive home antigen test, contact a healthcare provider for advice on treatment.

In mid-2020, the FDA approved at-home PCR test kits. People can collect samples of cells (usually a nasal swab) at home and then send the sample to a lab for testing.

Treatment

The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated before you are infected. If you’re symptomatic for COVID-19 and don’t require medical attention, stay isolated and take the following steps to manage your symptoms. These steps are also effective in relieving common cold symptoms.

They include:

Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) to reduce fever and body aches. Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal tea, clear soup) to stay hydrated. Get plenty of rest to fight off the infection and speed up the recovery process.

If your COVID-19 symptoms become worse (shortness of breath or chest pain), seek medical attention immediately. All treatments for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 should be prescribed by a healthcare provider. They may prescribe FDA-approved treatments such as:

Veklury (remdesivir): This drug has been shown to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from reproducing in the cells. It is available for people who have mild to moderate cases and are at high risk of developing a severe case, and for people who need hospitalization. Studies have also shown that it shortens the recovery time of people infected with COVID-19 by about five days. Paxlovid (ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir): This antiviral drug is given as a pill. It may be used to treat people who have a positive viral test and are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19.

Several anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA, but as of January 2023, none are still authorized for use in the United States. The drugs were found to be ineffective against the predominant Omicron COVID variants, which led to the FDA revoking their EUAs.

When It’s an Emergency

COVID-19 can progress to severe disease, especially among individuals who aren’t vaccinated. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you or someone you know show these signs and symptoms:

Difficulty breathingPain, tightness, or pressure in the chestConfusion and disorientationPale or bluish skin (due to lack of oxygen in the blood)

If you test positive for COVID-19, a healthcare provider may recommend a pulse oximeter (a device that checks how much oxygen your blood is carrying) to measure blood oxygen levels.

Usually, a low blood oxygen level causes symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath. This lifesaving device can alert you when you need medical attention, even if you’re asymptomatic.

Summary

The common cold and COVID-19 are both caused by respiratory viruses. Colds affect the upper airway (nose, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx) and can affect the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, and lungs). COVID-19 also affects the upper and lower respiratory systems but can cause severe disease in the lungs, and sometimes death.

COVID-19 tests tell you if you have an infection in real time by looking for viral infection. If you test positive for COVID-19, treatments are available mild-to-moderate cases, as well as for severe disease requiring hospitalization. However, getting vaccinated is the best protection.

For the common cold, which typically produces mild symptoms, treatment includes staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and taking OTC medications as needed.

A Word From Verywell

There is some overlap of symptoms between the common cold and COVID-19 such as a sore throat, headache, coughing, fever, and muscle aches.

While the risk of contracting COVID-19 decreases if you are fully vaccinated or fully vaccinated and boosted, continue to implement effective mitigation measures (wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, social distancing) to prevent the risk of infection. Getting vaccinated offers the best protection against COVID-19, as it prevents severe disease and death.

Finally, with the rise of variants (Omicron) and any potential variants of concern thereafter, stay up to date on CDC guidelines for testing and care.

These safety measures are optimal for keeping you and your loved ones protected, especially if you are immunocompromised or care for infants that aren’t yet qualified to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

The information in this article is current as of the date listed, which means newer information may be available when you read this. For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.

These include being fully vaccinated and boosted, wearing a medical-grade mask (N95 or KN95), washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, social distancing (at least 6 feet or more), and avoiding large crowds.

Cold symptoms are generally mild, but if your symptoms remain the same or become worse over time, consider seeking medical attention from a healthcare professional.

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