Symptom Checker COVID-19 vs Common Cold vs Allergies

Towards the end of December 2019, WHO receivedreportsabout novel coronavirus, which had started to ail the residents of Wuhan, a large city in the Hubei province in China.
India’s first COVID-19 case surfaced in January, this year and has, since then, kept everyone on their toes.

It is a contagious viral disease whose manifestations range from common cold-like symptoms to more debilitating effects such as respiratory failure. Most people show only mild to moderate signs of COVID-19.

Incubation

1-14 days. In the initial phase, the symptoms don’t manifest, although the contagious nature is highly present. This is predominantly responsible for the spread of the virus because asymptomatic individuals aren’t even aware that they’re carrying the disease.

Causes

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19. It is spread by coming in contact with infected people or objects and then touching the nose, eyes and mouth without washing or disinfecting hands properly.

Symptoms

The earliest signs are high fever, lethargy and dry cough, which advances to shortness of breath. In some cases, diarrhoea, body ache, joint pain, stuffed or runny nose may also be seen. One in six patients, with previously underlying health conditions such as respiratory problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and other diseases (comorbidities), might suffer from more severe symptoms.

Diagnosis

Real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) from nose and throat swabs is the gold standard for detecting the infection, if present. They can be done in Government or Private establishments or through US FDA approved commercial kits at home.

Because common cold, influenza and allergies have a few similar findings, it is often confusing for laypeople to tell the difference right away. This subjects them to unnecessary stress and paranoia. It is, therefore, necessary to know the distinguishable characteristics of each to take better care of oneself and one’s near and dear ones.Described below are the salient features of each condition that help in the identification of the same.

● Incubation Period

There is no incubation period of allergies as such, and the effects appear abruptly.

● Causes

Certain foods, drugs, animal hair and environmental agents such as dust, pollen or mould spores can cause allergies.

● Symptoms

Most commonly noticed signs are sneezing, watery eyes and nose, stuffy nose due to sinus blockage, sore throat, skin rashes and weakness.

● Diagnosis

Proper medical history elucidating food and drug allergies aid in the correct diagnosis. Tests that are performed are skin prick testing, patch test, blood test etc.

● How it differs from COVID-19

There are no signs of body ache, fever and diarrhoea. There may be shortness of breath, but it is usually triggered by other factors such as asthma or sinusitis.

● Incubation Period

It takes 24-72 hours for the common cold tobecome evident.

● Causes

It is contagious and can spread from person-to-person or commonly handled objects. Touching your eyes, nose and mouth after coming in contact with infected surfaces such as doorknobs or sharing the water bottle with an affected person might put you at risk. Children are more predisposed to it. The culprit here is the rhinovirus.

● Symptoms

It mostly affects the upper respiratory tract. Sore throat, followed by sneezing, runny nose and blocked nose and malaise is observed. There might be a mild rise in temperature, but it’s usually below 101˚F.

● Diagnosis

The symptoms provide enough indication of the disease. In some cases, a nose and throat swab or a chest X-ray may be advised.

● How it differs from COVID-19

No high fever is observed. Diarrhoea, headache aren’t usually seen.

● Incubation Period

It can range from 24-96 hours depending upon the immunity and other health factors.

● Causes

It is caused by the influenza virus (Type A is most common). It is also contagious and caused by droplet infection in the manner similar to the common cold.

● Symptoms

Fever, chills, sore throat, blocked or runny nose, headache, body ache and tiredness. Children may also present with diarrhoea and vomiting, to the clinician.

● Diagnosis

Most common and cost-effective diagnostic test is a Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT) and in some cases, the RT-PCR test.

● How it differs from COVID-19

Influenza virus spreads much slower than novel coronavirus. The ailment subsides after basic antiviral medications in 3-5 days, and little to no further complications are observed.You can also use an online symptom checker for COVID to further identify if what you have is just common cold or the more serious COVID.

Home Remedies

One of the simplest ways to avoid an allergy is to move away from the area or source that is causing it or by keeping their homes dry and well ventilated. Using allergy-proof bed linen and clothing also helps in leaps and bounds.Common cold and influenza can be relieved by keeping warm, in a humidified room. Steam inhalation, warm beverages like herbal tea, protein-rich soups and some honey in lukewarm water helps too. One may also increase the dietary intake of Vitamin C by having foods like citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach and medicinal supplements. Covid -19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms are required to self-isolate at home, drinking warm beverages and immunity-boosting foods and rest well.

Medical Intervention

Medically, allergies can be treated by antihistamines, decongestants, steroids and immunotherapy. Severe reactions known as anaphylaxis require hospitalisation and administration of adrenaline.
OTC drugs for common cold such as analgesics and decongestants are known to provide relief in a couple of days.Influenza, when unresponsive to home remedies is subjected to antiviral therapy and other adjunct medicines to relieve runny nose, coughing and body ache.Although there are reports of vaccines being discovered worldwide, so far, none of them has proved to be effective globally. Specialised therapy for majority and life support for severe cases are being provided.

COVID-19 might look like a scary situation at present but medicinal innovations to curb it are advancing rapidly. However, the treatment, especially in private hospitals, is fairly expensive. Thus, while you take all the precautionary measures, don’t forget to take an insurance policy that can protect you against the financial setbacks.

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.