Coronavirus infection: If it is not COVID, then what is it? Know the signs of COVID which overlap with other infections | The Times of India

There are several infections in which the symptoms overlap with that of COVID.

Common cold caused by rhinoviruses: One can never be immune to all the rhinoviruses. You might be immune to one and then prone to another. This is one unique trait of the rhinoviruses; you will always be susceptible to one or the other. The common cold symptoms are quite similar to that of COVID, though not identical.

Infection by noroviruses: A norovirus infection can cause diarrhea and pain in the abdomen, which are one of the few most common symptoms seen during a COVID infection too. Like coronavirus, noroviruses are also highly contagious and tend to remain longer on fingertips, and contaminated surfaces. Sanitizers and disinfectants are the only ways to keep the infection away.

Myalgia: The pain in the muscles, which is medically referred to as myalgia is commonly seen in COVID patients. But there are several other reasons and underlying health conditions that lead to myalgia. It might be due to prolonged sitting down or lying down which has become common during pandemic times. It might be that your body requires some sort of physical activity.

Fatigue: Everytime you feel listless it does not mean that you have had COVID. There are several reasons and health conditions which drain out energy from an individual. If you are continuously feeling ill, you should check your lifestyle habits. Or if the tiredness is disturbing your daily activity then consult a doctor and get a complete body check up.

Bacterial infection: Sore throat, coughing for months can be an indicator of bacterial infection like those caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. These are known to linger for weeks and months and gradually subside.