Differences Between Common Cold Fever and COVID-19: Symptoms, Causes, and Testing Explained
When it comes to fever caused by the common cold versus fever triggered by COVID-19, both are the result of viral infections and typically involve a body temperature exceeding 37.3°C (99.1°F). While the symptoms may appear similar on the surface, the underlying causes are entirely different. Fever from a common cold is usually due to traditional cold viruses, such as rhinovirus or adenovirus, whereas fever associated with COVID-19 is specifically caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Common Symptoms and Overlapping Signs
Both conditions can present with a range of fever intensities—low-grade, moderate, or high fever—alongside fatigue, sore throat, and body aches. Because symptom overlap is significant, it's nearly impossible to differentiate between the two based on clinical signs alone. In fact, the only reliable way to distinguish them is through targeted diagnostic testing that identifies the specific pathogen responsible.
Different Viruses, Different Origins
The common cold can be caused by various viruses, including coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, and certain herpesviruses. Influenza and parainfluenza viruses can also lead to cold-like symptoms and fever. For many of these traditional cold viruses, specialized blood tests—such as a 9-panel or 11-panel fever screening—can detect specific antibodies, helping identify the exact cause of infection.
How Testing Helps Identify the Cause
In contrast, diagnosing COVID-19 requires a different approach. The gold standard is molecular testing via RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) to detect the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Similarly, influenza types—including Influenza A, Influenza B, and even avian flu—can also be confirmed through nucleic acid testing. This means that when someone develops a fever, especially during flu season or a pandemic wave, getting tested is essential for clarity.
What to Do If You Have a Fever
If you experience fever or flu-like symptoms, current public health guidelines recommend seeking care at a designated fever clinic or medical facility. Upon arrival, healthcare providers will not only perform nucleic acid testing for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza strains but also conduct a thorough epidemiological assessment. This includes asking about recent travel history, exposure to high-risk areas, and contact with confirmed cases of respiratory illness.
If test results come back negative for both SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses, the fever is likely due to a non-COVID viral infection—most commonly a routine cold. However, isolation and monitoring are still advised until symptoms resolve, to prevent potential spread. Early testing, accurate diagnosis, and informed medical decisions remain key to managing respiratory illnesses effectively in today's health landscape.