Common cold symptoms can be caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While these viruses share many of the same symptoms, such as runny nose, cough, and sore throat, it can be difficult to determine which virus is causing your illness without laboratory testing.
Get 4 free at home COVID tests here: www.covid.gov/tests
The first step in identifying the cause of your cold symptoms is to pay attention to when your symptoms started and how long they have been present. The incubation period, or the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms, can help you determine which virus you may have. For example, the incubation period for rhinovirus is 12-72 hours, while the incubation period for coronavirus is 2-14 days.
Another important factor to consider is the contagious period, or the time during which a person is contagious and can spread the virus to others. Understanding the contagious period can help you determine when it is safe to return to work or school and when you may need to continue taking precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.
It is also helpful to pay attention to other symptoms you are experiencing, such as body aches, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms may be more characteristic of a particular virus, such as influenza, which is often accompanied by high fever and body aches.
| Virus | Incubation Period | Contagious Period | Percentage Likelihood | Symptoms | 🔗 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinovirus | 12-72 hours | 3-7 days | 30-50% | Runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, headache | 🔗Wikipedia |
| Coronavirus | 2-14 days | 2-10 days | 10-30% | Runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, body aches | 🔗Wikipedia |
| Influenza (Flu) | 1-4 days | 5-7 days | 5-20% | High fever, body aches, headache, cough, sore throat, fatigue | 🔗Wikipedia |
| Parainfluenza | 2-5 days | 5-7 days | 5-15% | Runny nose, cough, sore throat, wheezing, low-grade fever | 🔗Wikipedia |
| Adenovirus | 2-14 days | 7-14 days | 5-15% | Runny nose, cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis (pink eye), fever | 🔗Wikipedia |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | 2-8 days | 4-8 days | 5-15% | Runny nose, cough, wheezing, low-grade fever | 🔗Wikipedia |
Note: These estimates are based on general observations and may vary depending on the specific population, location, and time period. It is important to keep in mind that a person with common cold symptoms could have a different virus or a combination of viruses, and that laboratory testing is needed to confirm the exact cause of illness.
If you are experiencing common cold symptoms and want to determine the cause, the best course of action is to see a healthcare provider. They can perform laboratory tests, such as a nasal swab or blood test, to determine which virus is causing your illness. In some cases, your healthcare provider may also be able to prescribe antiviral medication, which can help to shorten the duration of your illness and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
In conclusion, while it can be difficult to determine the cause of common cold symptoms without laboratory testing, paying attention to the incubation period, contagious period, and other symptoms can help you make an educated guess. If you are experiencing cold symptoms and want to know the cause, it is best to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.