It’s a cold, not COVID-19

Like the common cold, COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory disease caused by infection with a virus. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets released when individuals breathe, cough, sneeze or speak. They can then land in the mouth or nose or be inhaled by someone nearby. These viruses can also be spread when people touch an infected surface and then touch their eyes, mouth or nose.

The common cold is most commonly caused by rhinovirus, while COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Since these viruses generally affect the same areas, the diseases can lead to many of the same symptoms. However, patients should be aware of the main differences.

Appearance of symptoms

Infection with a virus is followed by an incubation period. During this time, the patient has no signs or symptoms of infection. This is a key difference between the common cold and COVID-19. Cold symptoms typically appear 1-3 days after exposure to a common cold-causing virus, while COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

The common cold and COVID-19 have many overlapping symptoms (Table^1.2). These symptoms mainly include body aches, cough, runny nose and sore throat. But some symptoms only apply to COVID-19.

Loss of smell and/or taste is a common warning sign of COVID-19 infection. This is especially true if a patient has this symptom without a runny or stuffy nose. Another more common symptom of COVID-19 infection than the common cold is diarrhea.

Test

A crucial tool to use this year is the COVID-19 test. These tests are affordable and can be fully covered by insurance. If patients are feeling unwell and suspect they have COVID-19, they can test at home within minutes. By doing so, they can have a definitive answer without leaving the house and risking infecting others.

If a patient tests negative for COVID-19 and symptoms persist, they should be referred to a health care provider. There may be underlying issues that have not yet been diagnosed.

Treatment

As we know, there is no cure for the common cold. Fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms are the best treatments.

Fortunately, COVID-19 medications can significantly reduce the risk of serious illness and/or hospitalization. These drugs include molnupiravir (Lagevrio) from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) from Pfizer.

To stay healthy

The best way to prevent infection with COVID-19 is to get vaccinated against this virus, although fully vaccinated people can still become infected. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against the common cold.

Here are some other strategies to avoid getting COVID-19 and the common cold:

•Avoid close contact with sick people.

•Avoid spreading germs to eyes, nose and mouth by keeping hands away from face.

•Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces likely to be contaminated with these viruses. These include door handles, light switches and telephones.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw away the tissue immediately.

• Eat for immunity. It is important to eat healthy foods that support the immune system. These include citrus fruits; herbs and spices; mushrooms; prebiotics like apples, bananas, garlic and onions; and probiotics such as fermented foods and yogurt.

•Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands, including between your fingers and under your fingernails, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

•Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Watch out for the winter mix

Winter is the main season for colds, COVID-19 and flu because these viruses survive better and are more transmissible in cool, dry air. Additionally, individuals are more likely to be indoors and closer to others.

Role of pharmacists

Pharmacists can determine if patients should be tested for COVID-19, encourage them to take steps to reduce the spread of colds and COVID-19, help them stay up to date on their vaccinations, and help them choose medications by over-the-counter to help relieve symptoms. Recommending a vaccine or getting patients to take insurance-covered COVID-19 tests can make a significant difference in reducing the spread of the virus.

References

1. Similarities and differences between influenza and COVID-19. CDC. Updated September 28, 2022. Accessed November 10, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

2. Is it a summer cold or COVID-19? Health. Updated June 8, 2022. Accessed November 10, 2022. https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/summer-cold-or-covid-19

About the Author

Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh, is a clinical medical writer for Healthline Media in Colorado Springs, Colorado.