What is The Difference Between Covid-19 and a Cold?

The Covid-19 virus is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. 

What is Covid-19?

Covid-19 a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. It usually spreads between people who are in close contact.

The most common symptoms of Covid-19 are a fever, cough and tiredness. But there are many other possible signs and symptoms. 

Source: ECDC

COVID-19 is spread through close contact with people who have the virus. People with the virus can spread it even if they do not have symptoms.

When someone with the virus breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small droplets containing the virus.

You can catch COVID-19 if you breathe in these droplets or touch surfaces covered with droplets.

What is a Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat. It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold.

Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, if symptoms don't improve or if they get worse, see your doctor

What’s the Difference Between COVID-19 and the Common Cold?

Covid-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. 

Unlike Covid-19, a cold is usually harmless. Treatments for a common cold may include pain relievers and over-the-counter cold remedies, such as decongestants.

While Covid-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.

What are the Covid-19 Symptoms?

- Continuous cough

- High temperature, fever or chills

- Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

- Shortness of breath

- Feeling tired or exhausted

- Aching body

- Headache

- Sore throat

- Blocked or runny nose

- Loss of appetite

- Diarrhoea

- Feeling sick or being sick