In pandemic times, a cold during the summer is likely associated with the dilemma of whether you simply caught a cold or became infected with Covid. With the Delta circulating, the situation is unclear.
Cold Symptoms vs Covid
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold symptoms usually include:
- sore throat
- runny nose
- cough
- sneezing
- headache
- body ache
By comparison, the main symptoms of Covid-19 include fever or chills and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. The Delta variant has additional symptoms.
The symptoms of the Delta variant are different from the original type of coronavirus. Previously, people usually had cough, fever and shortness of breath. With the Delta variant, people can present with nasal congestion, headaches, sore throats or even stomach aches. Many of these symptoms are similar to a cold, allergy, or sinus infection.
How do you know what you have?
There is no way a person can easily distinguish Covid-19 from other upper respiratory tract infections. All viruses have overlapping symptoms, so there is nothing specific that you can say you do not have Covid.
However, it should be noted that a severe Covid infection is rare for people who are fully vaccinated.
What to do if you have symptoms? The only way is to get tested.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, Health, Healthline
