COVID-19 and the cold are two separate illnesses. While colds typically cause only a few symptoms and do not usually cause severe complications, COVID-19 comes with a wider range of possible symptoms and has a higher chance of severe complications.
You cannot determine whether you have COVID-19 or a cold based solely on the symptoms you experience, particularly when you only develop a mild illness. If you want to know if your symptoms are due to COVID-19, you can use an at-home COVID-19 test to tell if you have the virus.
Colds vs. COVID-19
Both the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and the virus that causes colds can spread from person to person.
This can occur when an individual with the infection breathes out droplets and particles containing the virus. These particles can land on surfaces surrounding the person who has the virus, and other people can collect them by touching where they have landed.
People may also develop these illnesses by breathing in the droplets that a person with the infection releases in the air when speaking, sneezing, or coughing.
The symptoms of a cold are usually milder than those you may have with COVID-19. With both conditions, you may experience a runny nose, sore throat, or congestion.
While fever is common in COVID-19, it rarely occurs with a cold. However, fever can also be a symptom of the flu, pneumonia, or another condition or infection.
Other signs that may suggest you have COVID-19 instead of a cold are a dry cough and shortness of breath. However, there is no reliable method to tell if you have a cold or COVID-19 based on your symptoms alone. If you develop any of these symptoms, you may consider taking a test for COVID-19.
Another difference between the two is how long it takes for symptoms to develop after exposure to the virus. While the symptoms of a cold typically occur within 2–3 days after exposure, COVID-19 symptoms usually develop between 2–14 days after you come into contact with the virus.
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Colds
Colds are mild infections that involve the nose and throat. There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause a cold. The rhinovirus is the most frequent cause of colds, accounting for around 10–40% of cases. If you have a cold, you may experience symptoms such as:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- sore throat
- mucus leaking down your throat (postnasal drip)
- watery eyes
The symptoms of colds usually peak within 2–3 days. You may also notice your mucus change from a clear color to a yellow, green, or white color while your body fights the infection off.
Most people experience only mild to moderate symptoms, and they typically recover from the illness in 7–10 days. However, some symptoms, such as cough and stuffy or runny nose, may last up to 10–14 days.
If your cold symptoms do not improve or get worse, it’s advisable to contact a doctor. In some cases, people may develop cold complications, such as an ear infection or sinusitis. Colds can also cause pneumonia in the most severe cases. If this happens, you may need antibiotic treatment.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a specific viral disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, also known as the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 typically causes symptoms similar to the cold, flu, or pneumonia.
This virus can also affect other parts of your body outside your respiratory system, though most people with COVID-19 only develop mild symptoms without becoming seriously ill.
The symptoms of COVID-19 usually start within 2–14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:
- fever
- chills
- cough
- stuffy or runny nose
- headaches
- loss of smell or taste
- sore throat
- muscle or body aches
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
If you develop any of these symptoms, you may consider taking an at-home test to determine if you have COVID-19.
Consider contacting your doctor immediately if you have a positive test and you develop severe symptoms, you have an underlying condition that puts you at a higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness, or you have a weakened immune system.
While most cases of COVID-19 are mild, some people may develop severe complications, including:
- pneumonia
- inflammation of the brain, muscle tissue, or heart
- respiratory failure
- fluid in the lungs (acute respiratory distress syndrome)
- cardiac events, such as stroke and heart attack
- sepsis
- multiple organ failure
These severe complications may also lead to death.
Treatments
The treatment doctors may prescribe you depends on your general health conditions, the severity of your symptoms, and the type of illness you have. Most people with COVID-19 or colds only develop mild symptoms that do not usually require medical treatment.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help reduce your discomfort and ease your symptoms while you recover from the illness. Sometimes, doctors may also prescribe antiviral medications. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections.
Colds
There is no cure for colds. The treatment typically focuses on improving your symptoms by taking OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), and decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). You’ll also want to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Symptoms of colds typically go away in about a week.
COVID-19
Mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 do not require any specific treatment. OTC pain relievers may help improve your symptoms while your body fights the infection.
If you have a weakened immune system or other underlying conditions that may increase your risk of developing severe illness, doctors may prescribe you antiviral medications provided you have not experienced COVID-19 symptoms for more than 7 days. These medications may include:
- molnupiravir (Lagevrio)
- remdesivir (Veklury)
- nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid)
If you develop difficulties breathing or other severe symptoms, your doctor may provide you with other treatments, such as:
- monoclonal antibodies
- steroid drugs, including dexamethasone
- ventilation to help you breathe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 5 years and older receives one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This can usually lower your chance of developing severe illness and avoid the need for hospitalization.
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