All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date.
Although the common cold and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms, they are different conditions. For example, one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19 is fever, which is rare in people with colds.
COVID-19 also causes symptoms more varied than colds and has a higher risk of serious complications.
This article discusses the differences between the symptoms of common colds and COVID-19. It also examines other differences in how they are transmitted from person to person, available treatments and potential complications.
If a person suspects that they may have the symptoms of COVID-19, they should isolate themselves and contact a doctor over the phone for advice.
Colds and COVID-19 have some similarities. Both develop as a result of a respiratory virus, which spreads from person to person through droplets that come out of the nose and mouth. However, it is important to remember that they are different.
A person can develop COVID-19 as a result of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a type of coronavirus. There are four coronaviruses that most often cause the common cold in humans. SARS-CoV-2, however, causes a different disease.
Compared to colds, COVID-19:
- has a longer potential incubation period
- causes more varied symptoms
- has a higher risk of complications and fatality
The common cold can cause:
These symptoms can also occur in people with COVID-19. However, COVID-19 can also cause:
Many of these symptoms, including fever, body aches and gastrointestinal symptoms, are uncommon in people with colds. They are more likely to be the result of COVID-19 or another viral illness, such as the flu, commonly known as the flu.
Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms. Some people may experience symptoms similar to a cold without a fever. Others may have only loss of smell or taste and some may have no symptoms at all.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some other less common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
In addition to presenting different symptoms, COVID-19 and colds also differ in the way they spread, in severity and in treatment.
Streaming
The viruses that cause the common cold and COVID-19 spread through contact with respiratory droplets. People can inhale these droplets after someone sneezes, coughs, or speaks. If a person inhales droplets containing a virus, they may be indisposed.
The viruses that cause the common cold can survive on surfaces, objects and in the hands for about 24 hours. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SARS-CoV-2 spreads mainly through close contact with someone who has the virus.
In some cases, SARS-CoV-2 can spread through respiratory droplets that have spread through the air. This means that, in some situations, the virus can spread through the air even if a person is more than 6 feet (feet) away from anyone with the virus. However, this is less common.
People with COVID-19 tend to develop symptoms around 5 to 6 days after exposure, although it can take up to 14 days. In comparison, colds usually cause symptoms in a few days.
Gravity
Most people who develop colds have mild to moderate symptoms and then recover within 7 to 10 days without hospital treatment.
Some people can develop secondary infections, such as sinusitis or an ear infection. Doctors usually treat them with antibiotics. People with a weaker immune system may be vulnerable to more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
However, human rhinoviruses, which are responsible for most colds, are generally self-limiting in healthy adults, meaning that they disappear on their own, without any special treatment.
In comparison, COVID-19 has a greater risk of causing symptoms and serious complications than a cold. According to WHO:
- 80% of people who develop COVID-19 recover without hospital treatment
- 15% of people with COVID-19 become seriously ill and need oxygen therapy
- about 5% of people with COVID-19 become seriously ill and require intensive care
Complications of COVID-19 can include:
Some people also develop “long COVID” or post-COVID syndrome, which occurs when symptoms persist for weeks or months.
Learn more about the long-term effects of COVID-19 here.
Treatment
Treatment with COVID-19 may vary depending on each person’s symptoms. Doctors can use:
Clinical trials for other COVID-19 treatments are underway, so new effective treatments may emerge in the future. In addition, COVID-19 vaccines can prevent disease.
There is no cure for the common cold. However, over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and decongestants, can help those with COVID-19 and those with a common cold to cope with symptoms.
For people with mild to moderate symptoms, there is no reliable way to differentiate colds and COVID-19 based on symptoms alone.
Some signs that may indicate that a disease is COVID-19 instead of a cold include:
- fever or chills
- dry cough
- shortness of breathe
However, fever can also indicate flu, pneumonia or another infection or illness. As a result, it is better to look for a test if COVID-19 is a possibility.
Anyone who thinks they could receive COVID-19 should contact their local health authority or doctor. A healthcare professional will be able to advise you on what to do next and arrange a COVID-19 test. People should not visit a medical center without first contacting them.
If a person has symptoms such as fever, cough or loss of taste or smell, the CDC recommends:
- stay at home
- isolate yourself from the rest of the house, using a separate bedroom and bathroom whenever possible
- wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth if you live with other people or pets
- wash your hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom or handling food
- cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that people frequently touch, such as door handles
- monitor symptoms and contact a doctor if they get worse
People with underlying health problems should contact a doctor if they experience any symptoms that may indicate COVID-19.
People with cold symptoms who have not been well for more than 10 days or who have severe or unusual symptoms should also consult a doctor.
A person should seek emergency medical attention if they develop any of the following symptoms:
They should also contact a doctor if any of their symptoms suddenly worsens.
To prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the CDC recommends:
- stay 6 feet away from people who don’t live in the same house
- wearing a face mask in public environments and in places where physical distance is difficult
- avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated locations
- avoiding contact with people who are not well
- wash your hands with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds regularly and use a hand sanitizer if running water is not available
- covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- avoiding touching the nose, eyes and mouth
- cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that people frequently touch
Many of the ways in which people can prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 also prevent the spread of the cold virus.
Some of the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the symptoms of the common cold. However, although there are several coronaviruses that cause colds, COVID-19 is a distinct disease caused by a new virus known as SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 is more dangerous than the viruses that cause colds and can affect people in different ways. Symptoms that may indicate COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and loss of smell or taste.
If a person believes they may have developed COVID-19, they should stay at home and contact a health care professional or medical facility for advice.