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COVID-19 and the common cold can share similar symptoms, but there are also symptoms that set them apart from each other.
Here’s what you need to know about some of the important differences between these diseases and how you might be able to know the difference, unless you get tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 and the common cold both come from viruses, according to the Mayo Clinic.
COVID-19 comes from SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold most often develops from rhinoviruses.
These viruses spread through similar routes and cause many of the same signs and symptoms in an infected person.
However, there are a few 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. It is very unlikely with the common cold.
The two viruses share the following symptoms, which makes it more difficult to distinguish between viruses without first being tested for COVID-19:
- Cough
- Tired
- Muscle aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
That’s why health officials advise getting tested for COVID-19 if you have any of these symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 appear two to 14 days after exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Cold symptoms appear one to three days after exposure to a virus that causes the common cold.
According to The Mayo Clinic, you can catch COVID-19 and the common cold at the same time.
The only way to ultimately know if you have a cold or COVID-19 is to get tested for COVID-19 and see your health care provider.
Just trying to diagnose the condition based on symptoms alone won’t determine whether you actually have either.
Stories related to COVID-19:
Are my symptoms COVID or the flu? How to tell the difference between viruses?
Symptoms of the Delta variant to watch out for if you are fully vaccinated
Is it safe to get the flu shot and get the COVID shot at the same time?
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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected]. Do you have any advice? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
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