Cold vs COVID: 20 Key Differences Everyone Should Know

11. Sudden vs. Gradual Onset of Symptoms

A key distinction between the common cold and COVID-19 is how symptoms begin. Colds typically develop gradually over the course of a few days, starting with mild congestion or a scratchy throat before progressing. In contrast, COVID-19 can hit suddenly, with symptoms appearing within 2-5 days of exposure and sometimes escalating rapidly. Many COVID-19 patients report waking up feeling completely fine and then experiencing a sudden wave of fatigue, fever, or chills later in the day.

12. Severity of Fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom that both illnesses can cause, but the intensity and duration often differ. A cold may make you feel a bit sluggish, but you're usually still able to go about your day. COVID-19, however, frequently leads to profound exhaustion—the kind that makes it difficult to even get out of bed. Many COVID-19 patients describe a crushing tiredness that can persist for weeks, even after other symptoms subside.