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COVID-19 or Common Cold? Check for these symptoms

COVID-19 or Common Cold? Check for these symptoms

The rising level of COVID-19 along with its new variant named Omicron is bringing tension to the people of India. Many Omicron cases have been reported in the past few days. It is a common sight to see people moving to quarantine and almost every house has a corona case.

In such a situation, it is a very common thing that people will panic over any symptom irrespective of the cause of the symptom. Even symptoms of the common cold will be mistaken to be the ones of the Coronavirus.

It is highly important to keep a calm mind amidst this pandemic. When you or someone you know shows symptoms at an early stage, a correct analysis should be done before confirming.

Signs & Symptoms of COVID-19

The symptoms mentioned here are based on common observations of patients suffering from the Coronavirus. It is also seen that few people have different symptoms other than the one stated below but still majority has symptoms such as-

  • Chills- high
  • Congestion- usual
  • Cough- usual
  • Change in loss of smell or taste- high
  • Fatigue- usual
  • Fever- high
  • Headache- usual
  • Muscle Pain or Boady Aches- usual
  • Shortness of breath- usual
  • Sore throat- rare
  • Vomiting- rare
  • Troubled Breathing- usual
  • Chest pain or pressure- rare
  • Inability to wake or stay awake- rare
    • Pale grey or blue lips- rare
  • Pale grey or blue lips- rare


Signs & Symptoms of Common Cold

  • Chills- usual with less intensity
  • Congestion- rare
  • Cough- usual
  • Fatigue- usual
  • Fever- usual
  • Headache- usual
  • Muscle Pain or Boady Aches- usual
  • Shortness of breath- usual
  • Sore throat- rare


Infection Time Period

After exposure, the first symptom can appear within 24 hours for both common cold and coronavirus. But for most cases, first visible symptoms of COVID-19 appears within 2 weeks.

The new variant although has a higher spread rate than SARS COVID-19 which makes it highly transmissible.


Duration of Illness

The lasting capacity of COVID-19 is still a subject for research in scientific communities. The disease has been observed to last days and months which makes it a severe cause. The immunity of each patient owes to the duration of coronavirus. In less immune patients, there are chances of secondary infection which in severe cases can result in death.

Whereas Common Cold takes a time of 4 to 7 days duration. After which the person regains health.

This message is intended as a general awareness to the people around the world from the Best BLS ACLS Training Center in India - IIEMS as part of community responsibility. It is highly recommended to consult with a doctor or approach the nearest Community Health Centre if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms.