The Cold, Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Virus: What's the Difference?

Respiratory illnesses like the common cold, flu, RSV and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. Here’s a breakdown of these four viruses including common symptoms for each, how the viruses spread and how to best protect ourselves and our loved ones from infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cold is an infection of the upper respiratory system that can be caused by different viruses including rhinoviruses (most common), parainfluenza and seasonal coronaviruses.

Onset of symptoms is gradual. Common symptoms may include:

• Stuffy nose or sneezing
• Mild to moderate chest discomfort
• Cough or sore throat

Through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person or their respiratory secretions or fecal matter. Also, touching the eyes, nose or mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces.

24 hours before symptom onset to 5 days following

2 days

2 hours to 7 days (for rhinovirus)

No

• Wash hands regularly 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands 
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated 
• Stay home when sick

According to the CDC, the onset of flu symptoms is usually much faster and more intense than cold symptoms, and they are often accompanied by a fever. The flu can also have very serious associated complications.

Symptom onset is abrupt. Common symptoms may include:

• Fever or feeling feverish and having chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath of difficulty breathing
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle pain or body aches
• Headache
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Person-to-person by way of large respiratory droplets and direct contact with their respiratory secretions. Also, touching the eyes, nose or mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces.

From 1 day before symptom onset to 5–7 days following

1–4 days

Up to 48 hours

Yes

• Get vaccinated annually 
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid contact with people who are sick 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands 
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated  
• Stay home when sick

According to the CDC, COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. Illness can range from mild to severe, though not everyone infected with the virus develops symptoms. Compared to the flu, COVID-19 spreads more easily and individuals infected with COVID-19 may take longer to show symptoms and be contagious for longer periods of time.

Symptoms can vary from person to person with some never experiencing any, referred to as asymptomatic cases. Symptoms may include:

• Loss of taste or smell

• Congestion, runny nose

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Sore throat

• Muscle pain or body aches

• Headache

Primarily through breathing in small droplets or particles that contain the virus. It can also spread through contact with infected particles through the eyes, nose or mouth, typically caused via coughs or sneezes. Also, touching the eyes, nose or mouth after contact with respiratory secretions or contaminated surfaces.

From 2 days before symptom onset to about 10 days afterward; this includes asymptomatic persons.

2–14 days

4 hours to 8 days

Yes

• Get vaccinated and stay up to date with recommended boosters  
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid contact with people who are sick 
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the virus
• Stay home when sick

Visit CDC.gov for individual prevention steps based on your community levels, including when to wear a mask and/or practice social distancing

According to the CDC, respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages and usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV.

Symptoms usually include:

• Runny nose or sneezing

• Decreased appetite

• Coughing or wheezing

• Fever

In very young infants, symptoms include irritability, decreased activity or difficulty breathing.

Through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person or their respiratory secretions. Also, touching the eyes, nose or mouth after contact with contaminated surfaces.

Typically 3–8 days, but can be as long as 4 weeks

4–6 days

7–8 hours

Vaccines are available for adults 60 years and older, and monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.

• Wash hands regularly

• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

• Cover coughs and sneezes 

• Avoid contact with people who are sick

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated

• Stay home when sick

Seasonal respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV and other communicable illnesses can spread easily through direct and indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. While COVID-19 is predominately spread through shared air, cold and flu germs can live on surfaces for days, which is why it’s important to wash hands frequently and disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects.  

When determining what surfaces to disinfect, prioritize frequently touched areas and objects. This can include doorknobs, window latches, light switches, tabletops, countertops, bathroom sink, kitchen sink, toilets and faucet handles. Clean the surface first to remove dirt and grime as needed, let the surface dry, then disinfect hard, nonporous surfaces with a disinfectant like Clorox® Disinfecting Mist or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. Make sure you always follow the product label instructions for proper usage and contact time.  

It’s important to establish healthy habits that you can sustain through fall/winter and beyond to protect yourself and your family from seasonal respiratory viruses like influenza, the common cold and RSV. We tapped Dr. Eva Beaulieu, a board-certified internal medicine hospitalist, to share her top tips.  

Dr. Eva Beaulieu, a board-certified internal medicine hospitalist, shared her top tips for families navigating illnesses:

• Get Vaccinated: Vaccines are your first line of protection against illnesses. Since many COVID-19 and flu symptoms overlap, it’s especially important to stay up to date on vaccinations. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot annually. The CDC also recommends getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and receiving booster doses on schedule.  
• Practice Targeted Disinfection: Establish simple disinfection routines that you can practice daily to keep germs at bay. For example, Clorox® Disinfecting Mist and Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes can help you easily tackle germy high-touch, high-traffic spots in and outside the home. I also like to keep Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes On the Go in my tote and car for when I’m out and about to disinfect regularly touched or high-traffic areas, such as grocery cart handles, door handles, subway and train handlebars, restroom sinks and toilets.  
• Healthy Hygiene: Establish good hygiene habits, like washing your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. When my kids were little, we would practice singing their A-B-Cs while handwashing, which takes about 20 seconds. 
• Listen to Your Body: Protect yourself and others by staying home if you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms. The same goes for staying home after you’ve been exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19.  
• Full Body Health: Take care of your physical health by getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet. These healthy habits can help protect your body and strengthen your immunity so you’re more able to fight back against viruses.