Dr. Nathaniel Brooks had seen it all in his two decades as an infectious disease specialist. But nothing tested his expertise quite like the confusion surrounding COVID-19 and the common cold. As the pandemic shifted into an endemic phase, patients flooded his clinic with one pressing question: “Do I have COVID, or is it just a cold?”
Understanding the Overlap
Dr. Brooks often began his consultations with a simple explanation: “Both COVID-19 and the common cold are viral infections, but they are caused by different families of viruses. The common cold is usually due to rhinoviruses, while COVID-19 comes from SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus.”
He pointed out the similarities:
Runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Fatigue
“In many cases, COVID-19 can feel like a bad cold, especially for vaccinated individuals,” he explained. “But there are key differences.”
Key Differences Between COVID-19 and the Common Cold:
1. Fever and Chills
“Colds rarely cause fever in adults, but COVID-19 frequently does,” Dr. Brooks noted. “If you have a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C), you should be suspicious.”
2. Loss of Taste or Smell
“This is one of the most distinct symptoms of COVID-19,” he said. “If your coffee suddenly tastes like water, get tested immediately.”
3. Shortness of Breath
“A common cold won’t make you feel like you ran a marathon after walking up a flight of stairs,” he joked. “If you feel short of breath, COVID-19—or even pneumonia—should be considered.”
4. Persistent Cough
“A dry, hacking cough that lingers beyond a week could be a sign of COVID-19,” he added. “Colds tend to cause a milder cough that resolves faster.”
5. Body Aches and Fatigue
“While colds can make you feel tired, COVID-19 can hit like a truck,” Dr. Brooks said. “Severe fatigue and muscle aches are red flags.”
The Role of Testing
Dr. Brooks emphasized that the only sure way to differentiate between COVID-19 and a cold was testing. “At-home rapid antigen tests are widely available and provide quick answers. If you’re high-risk or have worsening symptoms, consider a PCR test for more accuracy.”
Treatment and Isolation Guidelines
“The good news is that for most people, COVID-19 is now treated like other respiratory infections,” he reassured his patients. “Stay home if you have a fever, and avoid close contact with others for at least five days.”
If symptoms persisted or worsened, he advised seeking medical care, especially for those with underlying conditions.
Final Advice: Err on the Side of Caution
Dr. Brooks always ended his consultations with one piece of advice: “If you’re unsure, assume it’s COVID-19 until proven otherwise. It’s better to be cautious than to spread the virus to someone vulnerable.”
With that, another patient left his office with clarity—armed with the knowledge to navigate the blurred lines between COVID-19 and the common cold.
