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 help stop the spread of germs on surfaces in our homes.

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:

• Runny nose or sneezing
• Mild to moderate chest discomfort
• Cough or sore throat
• Headache or chills
• Low-grade fever

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

Up to 7 days¹

• Wash hands regularly 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands 
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick 
• Disinfect hard, nonporous, high-touch 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 to 4 days

Up to 48 hours²

• 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 
• Disinfect hard, nonporous, high-touch 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
• Fever or chills

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.

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

2–14 days

4 hours to 8 days. According to Cleveland Clinic, the live virus can survive anywhere from a couple of hours to days.

• 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 
• Disinfect hard, nonporous, high-touch 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
• Congestion

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

Many hours

• For higher risk individuals, get vaccinations or immunizations
• Wash hands regularly
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Disinfect hard, nonporous, high-touch 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 hard, nonporous, 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 Wipes. Make sure you always follow the product label instructions for proper usage and contact time.  

Additionally, germs can lurk throughout your home, including your laundry. Sanitize your laundry with Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach to help reduce bacteria on fabrics and linens.

It’s important to establish healthy habits that you can sustain through fall/winter and beyond to help protect yourself and your family from seasonal respiratory viruses like influenza, the common cold and RSV.

Adopting a holistic germ prevention strategy is one of the most effective ways to help stay healthy. Here are simple steps to help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs:

• Follow CDC guidance for vaccines like the flu shot, which can help create a barrier to viruses.
• Clean and disinfect your home regularly. Tackle germy high-touch, high-traffic spots with effective disinfecting solutions like Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes.
• 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.
• Stay home if you experience any cold or flu-like symptoms.  
• Take care of your physical health by getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet.