Yes, COVID-19 can easily be mistaken for a common cold, especially with newer variants, as they share similar symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion. Both are respiratory viruses that spread similarly, but COVID-19 is more likely to cause fever, headache, significant fatigue, and loss of taste or smell, whereas cold symptoms are usually milder and rarely include these.
COVID-19, the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu have many similar symptoms. Find out about some of the important differences between these illnesses. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause many of the same symptoms as the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu.
It's still a good idea to isolate and get a COVID-19 test if you have any cold symptoms, even if they're mild and even if you're fully vaccinated.
Since the pandemic, Covid has complicated things further, with similar symptons to flu. But one key Covid-specific identifier can be a loss of smell or taste. Another, as new variants Stratus and Nimbus spike this winter, is a "razor-sharp" sore throat. Diarrhoea is also common.
How to Tell the Difference between Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Common Cold. Symptoms of influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are similar and may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
COVID vs. Flu
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and typically include high fever, intense body aches, and severe fatigue. COVID symptoms may start more gradually and are more likely to involve sore throat, congestion, and prolonged fatigue.
The COVID virus has more success surviving on hard surfaces, such as glass and plastic, than on porous ones like bedding. Once the virus lands on a porous material like a fabric, the droplets evaporate much quicker than they do on a hard surface.
a high temperature – you may feel hot, cold or shivery, or your skin is hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
June 26, 2025 – The new COVID-19 variant that now makes up about a third of U.S. COVID cases has a signature symptom: a painful sore throat that feels like "razor blades." "This 'razor blade sore throat' was reported as a common symptom in China," where the variant first emerged in May, said Matthew S.
“Do not use a negative result with an at-home test as a free pass to go out if you have symptoms. If you have a sore throat, a runny nose, a headache or any of the other symptoms of COVID-19 and you get a negative test result, you probably have COVID-19, and the test is missing it.”
Unusual COVID-19 symptoms: What are they?
Flu. Flu symptoms come on suddenly and are often severe.
Taking vitamin C every day to try to prevent colds won't protect most people from colds. It only slightly shortens the amount of time that they're ill. Starting to take vitamin C once you already have cold symptoms won't have any effect on your cold.
The most common COVID Nimbus symptoms include:
Nasal congestion or a runny nose. Fever and muscle aches. Sneezing. Digestive symptoms like nausea or diarrhea (less common, but possible)
Researchers in Japan have pinpointed a biological cause of Long COVID brain fog using advanced PET brain imaging. They discovered widespread increases in AMPA receptor density linked to cognitive impairment and inflammation.
7 Steps to Take After a Virus Has Hit Your Home
Use a portable air cleaner or air purifier if you have one
When used properly, air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a home or confined space.
Particles from an infected person can move throughout an entire room or indoor space. The particles can also linger in the air after a person has left the room – they can remain airborne for hours in some cases.
Day 4-7: Symptom Escalation
Take Over-The-Counter Medications
Antivirals are most effective if started within the first 48 hours of symptoms. If used accurately, they can shorten the duration of illness by about 24 hours and decrease the risk of complications, especially in high-risk populations.