How To Distinguish Between Cold And COVID Symptoms In Kids?
9 Sep 2022 | 3 min Read
Sayani Basu
Author | 607 Articles
Cold and COVID-19 in kids have similar symptoms. Parents find it difficult to differentiate between the two. Both of these developments as a result of a respiratory virus and spread from person to person through droplets from the nose and mouth. However, there lies a difference.
A child can be infected with COVID-19 as a result of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. On the other hand, the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. In both cases, a child might have a blocked nose. You can keep natural vapour patches handy which will relieve your child from nasal congestion.
However, not every child with COVID-19 experiences symptoms of a cold. Some might have a fever like a normal cold while others may only have a loss of smell or taste unlike cold. Read on to know more.
How Can You Differentiate Between Cold And Covid Symptoms In Kids?
Symptoms Of Common Cold
- Blocked nose or congestion
- Runny nose and cough
- Sneezing and sore throat
- Mild fever
- Watery eyes
- Muscle pain and a minor headache
Symptoms Of COVID 19
- Fever and dry cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Intense muscle pain
- Runny nose or congestion
- Extreme fatigue
- Sore throat and headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea)
- Dizziness
The symptoms of COVID-19 usually appear two days after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The doctor usually recommends vitamins and paracetamol and the child gets back his/ her sense of taste and smell within the next 14 days.
On the other hand, the symptoms of a common cold generally appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus and paracetamols are enough for it. Unlike COVID-19, a cold is mostly harmless.
When To Call The Doctor?
Your child’s illness that seems like a cold might turn out to be COVID-19. Therefore, it is advisable to call the doctor right away if your child:
- has a high fever
- has trouble breathing
- has a bad headache
- has a sore throat
- has severe belly pain or pressure in the chest
- looks bluish on the lips or face
- has irregular heartbeat
What Can Parents Do To Stop The Spread Of Germs?
- Explain to the kids the importance of washing hands regularly with a handwash for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a hand sanitiser with 70% alcohol content.
- Refrain from people who appear to be sick.
- Clean surfaces that are mostly touched like doorknobs, counters, phones and so on.
- Make sure kids wear a mask whenever they step out.
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Follow these tips in mind as prevention is always better than cure. Remember, your small steps can alleviate discomfort in your little one.
Cover Image Credit: pexels
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Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.