Common Cold vs COVID-19 in Children: Key Differences
Content reviewed against published CDC, AAP, WHO guidelines
Last reviewed:
Colds and COVID-19 share many symptoms in children, making them difficult to distinguish without testing. Understanding key differences helps parents know when to test and when to seek care.
Key takeaways
- COVID is more likely to cause GI symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea) than a common cold
- Loss of taste or smell is a distinguishing feature of COVID (though less common in kids)
- COVID can rarely lead to MIS-C (multi-system inflammatory syndrome) 2-6 weeks after infection
- A cold almost never causes significant fatigue; COVID may cause fatigue lasting beyond acute illness
: Cause
Common Cold: Rhinovirus (most common), 200+ viruses
COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 virus
: Onset
Common Cold: Gradual over 1-2 days
COVID-19: Can be gradual or sudden
: Fever
Common Cold: Usually low-grade or absent
COVID-19: Often higher fever, may persist 3-5 days
: Loss of taste/smell
Common Cold: Rare (only from nasal congestion)
COVID-19: Possible though less common in young children than adults
: GI symptoms
Common Cold: Uncommon
COVID-19: Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain more common
: Duration
Common Cold: 7-10 days
COVID-19: 5-14 days; some have prolonged fatigue
: Severity in children
Common Cold: Usually mild
COVID-19: Usually mild but can rarely cause MIS-C weeks later
: Diagnosis
Common Cold: Clinical (no testing needed)
COVID-19: Rapid antigen or PCR test
: Isolation needed
Common Cold: No formal isolation (stay home if sick)
COVID-19: Follow current public health guidance for isolation
: Vaccine available
Common Cold: No
COVID-19: Yes (COVID vaccine available for children 6 months+)
| Common Cold | COVID-19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Rhinovirus (most common), 200+ viruses | SARS-CoV-2 virus |
| Onset | Gradual over 1-2 days | Can be gradual or sudden |
| Fever | Usually low-grade or absent | Often higher fever, may persist 3-5 days |
| Loss of taste/smell | Rare (only from nasal congestion) | Possible though less common in young children than adults |
| GI symptoms | Uncommon | Diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain more common |
| Duration | 7-10 days | 5-14 days; some have prolonged fatigue |
| Severity in children | Usually mild | Usually mild but can rarely cause MIS-C weeks later |
| Diagnosis | Clinical (no testing needed) | Rapid antigen or PCR test |
| Isolation needed | No formal isolation (stay home if sick) | Follow current public health guidance for isolation |
| Vaccine available | No | Yes (COVID vaccine available for children 6 months+) |
When to Worry
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest pain
- Persistent high fever (over 104°F/40°C) or fever beyond 5 days
- New rash, red eyes, swollen hands/feet, or abdominal pain 2-6 weeks after COVID (signs of MIS-C)
- Inability to keep fluids down or signs of dehydration
- Child is confused, excessively sleepy, or difficult to wake
- Any infant under 3 months with fever needs immediate medical evaluation regardless of suspected cause
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Common Cold and COVID-19?
How can I tell if my baby has Common Cold or COVID-19?
When should I worry?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Bottom line
Both Common Cold and COVID-19 are common in young children. The key differences in symptoms can help you identify what your child may have, but when in doubt, consult your pediatrician.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.