
COVID vs. a Cold (3 Surefire Tips to Know the Difference)
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
You feel that scratch or tickle in the back of your throat… and you try your best to ignore it.
But when the chills start, you get out the thermometer and confirm whether or not you have a slight temperature.
With all of this and the achiness and fatigue, you begin to wonder what’s really going on with your body…
In years past, these signs would cause you to check the cupboard for chicken soup and search for a good movie to watch.
Nowadays, your thoughts turn darker.
Is it COVID-19?
Before your mind takes you too far, here are three surefire ways to determine whether those aches and chills are just a common cold or possibly COVID.
Figuring out if you have COVID-19 or the common cold can be EXTREMELY difficult.
Both of these infections share a lot of symptoms: fatigue, fever, chills, headache, sore throat…
This is because the virus that causes the common cold and COVID-19 are very similar. In fact, there are some scientists that suggest COVID-19 “borrowed” pieces of genetic material (called snippets) from the common cold virus – so it’s not surprising that they would have similar symptoms.
Having said that, there are three distinct symptoms of COVID-19 that the common cold usually does not show.
- The loss of sense of smell and taste.
- Headaches can occur with the common cold, but they are much worse in COVID-19.
- The fever in a common cold is usually lower than in cases of COVID, running below 101 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not always the case, however, so make sure to always reach out to your doctor if you’re running a fever.
All of this is good to know because it appears that even vaccinated people can have “breakthrough” infections from the omicron variant.
Let me stress, however, that you should ALWAYS see your doctor and get tested if you’re unsure whether you have a cold or a COVID-19 infection.
And you should always head to your doctor if you lose your sense of smell or have a headache and high temperature.
Stay safe by doing the things we all know to do by now: wear a mask, avoid crowds, wash your hands repeatedly throughout the day.
P.S. As the race to find COVID treatments stretches into a marathon, it’s worth taking a look at other options. Some researchers think this amino acid may do the trick.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...