As the weather cools down, flu season heats up. The months of October through May see a dramatic uptick in respiratory illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and, recently, COVID-19. While the peak of flu season occurs between December and February, it’s never too early to prepare for the increasing infection rates in the fall.
Understanding the differences between respiratory diseases helps you protect yourself and your loved ones and get the proper treatment quickly if an infection does occur. While the common cold and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms, these illnesses have marked differences. A basic knowledge of these contrasts will help you take care of yourself and get efficient treatment.
Common cold causes and symptoms
The common cold is the most widespread type of upper respiratory infection. The upper respiratory system includes your sinuses, throat, and upper airways. When a virus or bacteria invade these areas, they can become inflamed.
Although other viruses can also cause similar symptoms, the rhinovirus family of viruses is primarily responsible for the common cold. These highly contagious viruses can be transmitted through tiny respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Additionally, direct contact with contaminated surfaces and subsequent hand-to-face contact can lead to infection. While the common cold is prevalent year-round, it tends to be more frequent during the fall and winter months due to increased indoor crowding and reduced humidity, which can make the transmission of the virus more efficient.
Common cold symptoms include:
- Runny nose (also known as nasal discharge or rhinitis)
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Sneezing
- Post-nasal drip
- Sinus pressure or facial pressure
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Decreased sense of smell
- No fever or, if present, low-grade fever
- Body aches
The common cold usually causes relatively mild symptoms compared to the flu or COVID-19. This infection usually lasts seven to ten days in adults and older children and ten to fourteen days in younger children. Rest, hydration, and symptom management are recommended to hasten recovery and reduce discomfort.
COVID-19 causes and symptoms
COVID-19, shorthand for Coronavirus Disease 2019, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It primarily spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes near others.
Additionally, transmission can occur by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching one's face. Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary in severity. Vaccination campaigns, social distancing, mask usage, and extensive testing have been implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus and safeguard public health.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste
- Loss of smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Many individuals with COVID-19 experience symptoms on par with those of a common cold. Others, especially those in high-risk populations, can experience such a severe illness that it results in hospitalization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider the following as “high-risk” populations:
- Adults over the age of 65
- People with weakened immune systems (including those with cancer, HIV/ AIDS, or those who are immunocompromised due to medical treatment)
- People with chronic heart, kidney, liver, and lung disease
- People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- People who have had an organ transplant
- People with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Disabled individuals (such as those managing Down syndrome or cerebral palsy)
- Overweight or obese individuals
- People managing mental health disorders
- Cigarette smokers
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
Most of these populations include children as well as adults.
While all individuals are at risk for severe symptoms and complications, these populations are at higher risk for advanced problems such as:
- Pneumonia
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- Blood clotting issues (thrombosis)
- Organ damage (heart, kidneys, liver)
- Long COVID (persistent symptoms)
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Neurological symptoms (loss of taste/smell, confusion)
- Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)
- Respiratory failure
- Death
Originally developed during the pandemic, several COVID-19 vaccine options are available to protect against serious infections, variants, and complications. Along with preventive measures, it is recommended that adults and children over 6 months of age receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have already been immunized against COVID-19, regular booster doses can help offer additional protection against the disease.
Common cold treatment
The common cold is relatively mild, especially compared to other respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. The severity and length of illness may vary from person to person, but the disease is usually managed with simple self-care strategies.
Self-care
Self-care strategies include:
- Get plenty of rest: Rest helps your body maintain the energy it needs to fight a respiratory tract infection. Refrain from exercise and stay home from work or school to prevent the spread of illness and give your body the necessary downtime.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids like water, juice, herbal teas, and broth prevents dehydration, which can worsen symptoms.
- Prioritize nutrition: Maintaining a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables can help boost your immune system while fighting infection.
Medication
Over-the-counter medication can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery. These drugs are widely available at most supermarkets, medical supply retailers, and convenience stores.
Common medications used to treat a cold include:
Saline nasal spray: Over-the-counter nasal sprays (like Sinex) are widely available at most pharmacies. These sprays rinse and clean the nasal passages, which can reduce symptoms.
Steroid nasal sprays: Nasal sprays containing the steroid fluticasone (Flonase) can help reduce inflammation caused by a respiratory tract infection. Soothing inflammation can reduce symptoms of facial pain, headaches, and congestion.
Decongestants: Decongestant medications containing pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) are available over the counter as nasal sprays, oral liquids, or tablets. Decongestants clear up the mucus blockage in the nasal passages, reducing facial pressure and nasal discharge symptoms. You should only use a nasal decongestant for a few days, as repeated use can cause more severe congestion.
OTC Pain Relievers: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help minimize body aches, sinus pain, and fever symptoms caused by these conditions. These drugs will not help clear up a runny or stuffy nose but will help with discomfort caused by an upper respiratory viral infection.
COVID-19 treatment
Like other viral infections like the common cold, COVID-19 will usually go away on its own after a week or so. As of March 2024, the CDC recommends that individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 self-isolate until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medications, or have seen symptom improvement for at least 24 hours. This should be followed by five days of precautions such as masking, proper ventilation, and distancing from others.
For up-to-date guidelines, refer to the CDC’s Respiratory Virus guidance.
Self-care
While self-isolating, use these self-care methods to reduce your symptoms and speed up recovery:
- Isolation: Stay in isolation to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
- Hydration: Drink fluids like water, herbal teas, and clear broths to stay hydrated.
- Fever Reducers: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate discomfort. Follow your healthcare provider's advice for medication use.
- Cough Suppressants: Over-the-counter cough medications may help relieve cough symptoms.
- Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your room to maintain comfortable humidity levels and ease respiratory symptoms.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or you have difficulty breathing.
- Nutrition: Maintain a healthy diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, and well-balanced meals to support your immune system.
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance, especially if your symptoms are severe or you have underlying health conditions that may require specific medical attention.
Medication
A health care provider may prescribe medication for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk for hospitalization or severe complications caused by the disease.
Antiviral medications used to treat COVID-19 include:
- Nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid): Administered as two oral tablets
- Molnupiravir (Lagevrio): Administered as an oral tablet
- Remdisivir (Veklury): Administered in a medical care setting through an IV
Vaccinations and periodic booster shots will also help protect you and your loved ones from infection and severe illness caused by COVID-19.
Prevention
Knowing hygiene and wellness practices is part of the trick to staying healthy during the flu and cold season. While these methods aren’t a surefire way of avoiding illness, they can help prevent infection.
Some preventative measures against different viruses include:
- Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Hand Sanitizer: Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
- Respiratory Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from sick individuals and maintain physical distance during peak cold and flu season.
- Face Masks: Wear a mask in crowded or indoor settings, especially if you're at higher risk of serious illness.
- Avoid Touching Face: Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you're sick, stay home to prevent spreading illness to others.
- Good Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support your immune system.
- Adequate Rest: Get enough restorative sleep to bolster your body's defenses.
- Travel Precautions: Be cautious when traveling, especially during peak cold and flu season, and follow recommended guidelines.
Get a jump on the cold and flu season by practicing the hygiene measures detailed above.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms or are looking for more information, Sesame offers same-day, affordable online COVID-19 visits on Sesame. These convenient visits connect patients directly with licensed health care providers. During an online doctor appointment, you can discuss your concerns with a medical care expert and get medication prescribed if appropriate, all from the comfort of your home.
