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

Respitory illnesses like the common cold, flu, RSV and coronavirus (COVID-19) share some similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. Here’s a breakdown of these four viruses covering common symptoms for each illness, how the viruses spread and how to best protect ourselves 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. They include:

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

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. 

From 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 unclean 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 typically accompanied by a fever. The flu can also have very serious associated complications. 

Symptom onset is abrupt. Common symptoms include:

• Fever, chills, body aches or headache 
• Fatigue or weakness 
• Chest discomfort or cough 

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

2 hours to several weeks

Yes

• Get vaccinated annually 
• Wash hands regularly and avoid contact with people who are sick 
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unclean 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. 

Symptoms range from none to severe and include:

• Fever, chills
  
• Fatigue, muscle aches, headache
  
• New loss of taste or smell
• Congestion, runny nose
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Primarily by inhalation of droplets or particles that contain the virus. Can also be spread by contact with infected particles through the eyes, nose or mouth, typically caused by splashes or sprays 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 ~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, and 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 
• 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.  

In very young infants, symptoms include irritability, decreased activity or difficulty breathing. Adult symptoms can appear in stages and include: 

• Runny nose or sneezing
  
• Decreased appetite
• Coughing or wheezing
• Fever

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

No

• Wash hands regularly
  
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unclean 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 need to be disinfected, prioritize frequently touched areas and objects. This can include doorknobs, plastic toys, light switches, tabletops, countertops, toilets and faucet handles. The most effective practice is to clean the surface first to remove dirt and grime as needed, let the surface dry, then disinfect with a product like Clorox® Disinfecting Mist or Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes. Make sure you always follow the product label instructions for proper usage and contact time.   

Shop disinfecting products direct from Clorox. 

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.  

• 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 Smart 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.  
• 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.