These respiratory illnesses have overlapping symptoms, so it might be hard to identify what you’re dealing with. Don’t worry – we can help you identify your symptoms and get you back on track. Visit your health care provider or an urgent care near you and feel better soon.
COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by different viruses, but are spread in similar ways. They also cause similar symptoms. Both usually include a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose. But, a headache is usually present with COVID, but rarely with a cold. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
Then there is Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes an infection in the lungs and respiratory tract. Symptoms in adults and older, healthy kids, are usually pretty mild and are much like the common cold. But in people with compromised immune systems or very young children, RSV can cause a severe infection. More about RSV in our health library.
