How to distinguish between the common cold and COVID-19 infection
Oct 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
COVID-19 infection refers to infection with the novel coronavirus. The differences between the common cold and novel coronavirus infection include variations in treatment approaches, causative pathogens, transmissibility, symptoms, and imaging findings. It is not possible to definitively distinguish between the common cold and novel coronavirus infection based solely on symptoms. If you experience related symptoms, it is recommended to go directly to a hospital for further evaluation.
Generally speaking, COVID-19 infection refers to infection with the novel coronavirus. The differences between the common cold and novel coronavirus infection include variations in treatment methods, causative pathogens, transmissibility, symptoms, and imaging findings. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Different Treatment Approaches
The common cold can be treated with antiviral medications; currently, novel coronavirus infection is primarily managed through symptomatic and supportive care.
2. Different Pathogens
The common cold is usually caused by viral or bacterial infections, whereas novel coronavirus infection is specifically caused by the novel coronavirus.
3. Different Levels of Transmissibility
The common cold typically occurs sporadically and may occasionally lead to localized outbreaks, usually resolving spontaneously within about one week. In contrast, novel coronavirus infection is highly contagious, with transmission possible during the incubation period and particularly high infectivity within the first five days after symptom onset. The illness duration is generally longer, often exceeding one week.
4. Different Symptoms
Symptoms of the common cold include nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, with a high rate of spontaneous recovery. Symptoms of novel coronavirus infection include fever, dry cough, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, with a lower rate of spontaneous recovery.
5. Different Imaging Findings
Chest CT scans in common cold cases are often normal; in severe cases leading to pneumonia, the main finding is large lobar shadows. In contrast, chest CT scans in novel coronavirus infection typically show more prominent changes in the peripheral lung zones, along with exudative lesions.
The common cold and novel coronavirus infection cannot be definitively distinguished based on symptoms alone. If related symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek immediate medical evaluation at a hospital for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent serious consequences.
