Cold vs COVID: 20 Key Differences Everyone Should Know

Lau Racciatti

17. Post-Viral Complications

portrait of young woman with mask for protection from coronavirus outbreak. Photo Credit: Envato @alexlucru123

Colds are usually self-limiting and don’t leave lasting effects. COVID-19, on the other hand, has been linked to a range of post-viral complications, even in mild cases. Some individuals develop "long COVID," experiencing lingering symptoms such as brain fog, joint pain, irregular heartbeats, or persistent shortness of breath for weeks or months after recovering from the initial illness. This long-term impact makes COVID-19 distinct from a simple cold.

18. Joint and Muscle Aches

Tired woman massaging rubbing stiff sore neck tensed muscles fatigued from computer work. Photo Credit: Envato @nd3000

While a cold can cause mild body aches, especially if fever is present, COVID-19 is notorious for causing severe muscle and joint pain. Many patients describe their aches as feeling like they’ve been "hit by a truck," with deep, lingering discomfort in muscles and joints that sometimes lasts long after the virus has cleared. If you’re experiencing unexplained widespread body pain, especially alongside fever or chills, COVID-19 may be the culprit.

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17. Post-Viral Complications

18. Joint and Muscle Aches

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