As the winter months roll in, many of us are all too familiar with the sniffles, sneezes, and sore throats that often accompany the common cold. However, in today’s health landscape, it’s important to take a closer look at these symptoms, especially given the prevalence of other illnesses, including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. What you may assume to be a routine cold could potentially be something more serious. Here’s how to tell the difference and when to seek medical care.
How to Tell: Is it a Common Cold or Something More Serious?
Understanding the Symptoms
The challenge with diagnosing illnesses like the common cold, flu, or COVID-19 is that they share many similar symptoms. This makes self-diagnosis difficult, and it’s easy to confuse one illness for another.
With the continued presence of COVID-19 and other viral infections like RSV, it’s more important than ever to take symptoms seriously. If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it's crucial to consider getting tested for COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, as well as following public health guidelines for quarantine or isolation.
Common Cold Symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Mild fatigue
Common COVID-19 Symptoms:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Chills
- Loss of taste and/or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Muscle or body aches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
While colds often result in minor discomfort, COVID-19 and other serious respiratory illnesses can lead to more severe complications. Therefore, if you're experiencing any of the above COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to get tested promptly.

Getting a Diagnosis
The best way to differentiate between a common cold and more serious illnesses like COVID-19 is through testing. If you test negative for COVID-19 and your symptoms are mild, you can begin managing your symptoms at home. However, it’s critical to remember that even after a negative COVID-19 test, you should stay home if you’re not feeling well to prevent the spread of other viral illnesses.
If your symptoms worsen or you develop severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion, it’s time to seek medical care.
Treating Cold Symptoms at Home
If you have mild symptoms and no other serious conditions, you can take steps to treat your symptoms at home. Here are some effective ways to support your body while it fights off an illness:
1. Get Plenty of Rest. When you’re sick, your body needs more energy to fight off infection. Research shows that sleep helps produce proteins called cytokines, which play an essential role in immune response. Prioritize rest to allow your body to recover.
2. Stay Home When You're Sick even after receiving a negative COVID-19 diagnosis. Staying home while you're symptomatic helps prevent the spread of any viral infections. Remember, you could still have a different contagious illness like the flu or RSV.
3. Hydrate. Drinking fluids can thin mucus and make it easier to drain from your nose and sinuses. Fluids also keep the mucous membranes lubricated, helping to relieve dryness in your throat and nasal passages. Water, herbal teas, and clear broths are great options.
4. Soothe a Sore Throat. Gargling with salt water can help alleviate a sore throat. Use a mixture of ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water, and gargle several times a day. Dissolving honey in warm tea can also be helpful, especially if you also have a cough.
5. Add Moisture to the Air. A humidifier or vaporizer can help add moisture to dry indoor air, easing congestion and keeping your nasal passages comfortable. This can be especially beneficial while you sleep.
6. Consider Over-the-Counter Medications. If needed, decongestants, cough suppressants, or pain relievers can provide symptom relief. Be sure to follow the recommended dosages on the packaging.
7. Eat for Immune Health. Fuel your body with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables to support your immune system. Foods rich in vitamins C and A, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, can help boost your body's natural defenses.
8. Supplement Smartly. Consider taking vitamin C, Zinc, or vitamin D supplements to support your immune system, but be sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
While the common cold typically resolves on its own within a week, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms persist, worsen, or you develop new symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek medical care. It could be an indication that you're dealing with something more serious than a cold, such as the flu, pneumonia, or a bacterial infection.
At Northwest Family Clinics, we’re here to provide expert guidance and care when you need it most. If you’re unsure about your symptoms or need medical advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can ensure your health and well-being throughout the cold and flu season.
Other articles you might like:
Cold and Flu Season – Natural Remedies, Prevention, and When to See a Doctor
Protecting Baby During Cold and Flu Season
My Child is Sick - When to Keep Them Home From School