Many people are puzzled when it comes to distinguishing the symptoms of a cold from COVID-19. Previously, a runny nose, cough, and nasal congestion could easily be identified as symptoms of a cold. However, after 2 years of the pandemic, these symptoms often cause panic because they fear that they are caused by the COVID-19 virus infection.
In addition, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the transitional season in Indonesia will occur in October, which is usually associated with an increased risk of developing viruses and bacteria due to a decline in a person's immune system. While the common cold and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, there are several ways to tell the two apart.
What is the difference between the common cold and COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Meanwhile, the common cold can be caused by infection with different types of viruses, such as adenovirus and coronavirus (except, of course, the SARS-CoV-2 virus). The virus that causes the common cold can also be spread by people who are infected through the air or physical contact.
What are the most common cold and COVID-19 symptoms?
The following symptoms are common with a cold:
1. Stuffy nose
2. Sore throat
3. Coughing
4. Sneezing
5. Headache
6. Body pain
Meanwhile, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is usually characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms:
1. Fever and chills
2. Coughing
3. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
4. Fatigue
5. Muscle strain
6. Headache
7. Loss of sense of smell and taste
8. Stuffy nose
9. Diarrhea
10. Nausea and vomiting
So, how do you recognize the difference between a cold and COVID-19?
It is difficult to distinguish a cold from COVID-19 if you only judge it by the symptoms it causes, even by a doctor. There is one symptom that distinguishes the two, which is the loss of the function of smell and taste. However, it is not uncommon for people exposed to COVID-19 not to experience these symptoms, so the best way to identify them is by taking a COVID-19 test.
While not as accurate as the PCR test, the antigen test can be used as an early identification if COVID-19-like symptoms develop. If you get a negative test result but the flu doesn't go away or even gets worse, try taking another test.
Eating a balanced nutritious diet, fulfilling the needs of vitamin C, washing hands with soap, maintaining body hygiene, and implementing an active lifestyle are some tips that can be applied to maintain a healthy body in the transitional season.
However, if you get a positive result on a COVID-19 test, it's important to isolate yourself from the public and family members at home to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. If the symptoms of COVID-19 worsen, contact the doctor or the nearest doctor immediately.
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Sources:
Miller, K. (2021). Cold Vs. COVID: How Do I Tell The Difference In Symptoms? Women's Health. [online]. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a37911682/cold-vs-covid-symptoms/
Dirjen Yankes. (2022). Hadapi Musim Pancaroba Dengan Menerapkan Pola Hidup Bersih Dan Sehat. Direktorat Jenderal Pelayanan Keseahatan Kemenkes RI. [online]. https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1237/hadapi-musim-pancaroba-dengan-menerapkan-pola-hidup-bersih-dan-sehat
UPK Kemenkes RI. (2022). Tips Sehat Selama Musim Pancaroba. Unit Pelayanan Kesehatan Kemenkes RI. [online]. https://upk.kemkes.go.id/new/tips-sehat-selama-musim-pancaroba