Differences Between Early Symptoms of COVID-19 Infection and the Common Cold
Mar 17, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
The distinction between symptoms of COVID-19 infection and the common cold is quite significant. In the early stage of the common cold, symptoms primarily include sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and nasal congestion; fever may occasionally occur, but changes in smell and taste are typically not prominent, and diarrhea is very rare. In contrast, early symptoms of COVID-19 infection commonly include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, sore throat, and diarrhea may occur—but only in a very small number of cases.
Both COVID-19 infection and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, differing primarily in their clinical manifestations, severity of illness, and CT imaging findings. So, what are the differences between early symptoms of COVID-19 infection and those of the common cold?
Differences Between Early Symptoms of COVID-19 Infection and the Common Cold
The distinction between early symptoms of COVID-19 infection and those of the common cold is quite pronounced. The typical early clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection include fever, dry cough, and fatigue. A minority of patients may experience diminished or lost sense of taste or smell; very rarely, symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, sore throat, and diarrhea may also occur.
In contrast, early symptoms of the common cold are predominantly nasal in nature—such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion—and may also include cough, pharyngeal dryness, itching or a burning sensation, and postnasal drip. Within 2–3 days, nasal discharge typically becomes thicker and may be accompanied by sore throat, headache, lacrimation, diminished taste sensation, nasal obstruction, hoarseness, and occasionally hearing loss secondary to eustachian tube inflammation. Severe cases may present with fever, mild chills, and headache. Most patients recover within 5–7 days; however, complications can prolong the illness.
The above outlines the key differences between early symptoms of COVID-19 infection and the common cold. We hope this information is helpful to you.
