What’s the difference between COVID-19 and the common cold?
Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. All of these viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same symptoms. However, there are a few differences.
COVID-19 symptoms usually start 2 to 14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. But symptoms of a common cold usually appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to a cold-causing virus.
There’s no cure for the common cold. Treatment may include pain relievers and cold remedies available without a prescription, such as decongestants. Unlike COVID-19, a cold is usually harmless. Most people recover from a common cold in 3 to 10 days. But some colds may last as long as two or three weeks.
COVID-19 and the flu can cause similar symptoms. However, there are several differences between them.
