Understanding the Differences Between the Common Cold, Flu, and Coronavirus: A Personal Account and Scientific Explanation

Experiences such as those faced by severe immunosuppressed individuals, like myself, offer unique insights into the symptoms and complexities of viral infections. During my recovery from what turned out to be a severe coronavirus infection, I witnessed the stark contrasts between the common cold, flu, and coronavirus. These insights are valuable not only for individuals like me but also for the wider community seeking accurate and science-backed information.

My Experience: A Severe Coronavirus Infection

My experience with COVID was vastly different from any cold or flu. Not in terms of symptoms, nor in terms of risk. I am a severe asthma patient with a history of lifelong lung scarring and a history of stroke and cardiac arrest. I should have received medical care in any civilized country, but in New Zealand, I was informed that as a Pacific race over 50, I was not eligible for any medical help. This highlights the importance of equitable healthcare access.

Since I received no medical help, I had to manage my condition alone at home. I did not have any cold or flu symptoms, yet my experience with the coronavirus was intense and atypical. Here is a detailed account of my symptoms:

My Symptoms:

High Fever: My fever reached 40.5C and fluctuated uncontrollably, even with Paracetamol and other over-the-counter medication. Severe Muscle and Skin Pain: The pain was debilitating, especially in my chest and back. Even a soft blanket was too much, causing me to spend days in the cold. Rapid Chills and Flare-ups: I experienced rapid alternations between hot and cold spells, often within minutes, for three consecutive days. Migraines, Stomach Pains, Vomiting, and Nausea: I suffered from severe headaches, stomach pains, and nausea, making it impossible to eat.

Notably, my oxygen levels on a oximeter were consistently 100%, and my heart rate was 85, while it is usually around 100. These readings returned to normal as I recovered. I did not lose my sense of smell, have a runny nose, sneezing, cough, or difficulty breathing. My sore throat was very vague.

Comparing the Common Cold, Flu, and Coronavirus:

The Common Cold

The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses, with the most frequent being the rhinovirus. Rhinoviruses have a single strand of RNA as their genetic material.

The Flu (Influenza)

Flu, on the other hand, is a different type of respiratory virus. It is also an RNA virus but with eight strands of genetic material. The haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes are on different RNA strands and are the main targets for antibody production. This is why flu strains are often described in terms of these proteins, such as H5N1.

The Coronavirus

Coronaviruses are also RNA viruses, but they are more closely related to the virus that caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the early 2000s. They can cause more severe respiratory issues compared to the common cold or flu.

How They Spread and Their Symptoms

All these viruses are respiratory viruses and spread in a similar manner, primarily through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes. However, the symptoms and severity can vary significantly:

Respiratory Viruses: They all affect the respiratory system, but the specific symptoms can differ. Rhinovirus (Common Cold): Typical symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, and mild cough. There is usually no fever. Influenza (Flu): Symptoms include high fever, severe body aches, and headaches, often accompanied by chills, sweats, and extreme fatigue. Coronavirus: Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Genetic Material:

Rhinoviruses and coronaviruses have a single strand of RNA, while influenza is an RNA virus with eight strands. The differences in genetic material and structure can contribute to the variations in symptoms and severity.

The haemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes on different RNA strands of influenza allow for the potential of switching with another flu strain, leading to increased outbreaks and new variants.

In conclusion, while colds, flu, and coronavirus all affect the respiratory system, they differ significantly in terms of their causes, symptoms, and severity. Understanding these differences is crucial for managing these conditions effectively and ensuring public health awareness and preparedness.