Colds are frequently self-diagnosed. In a clinical setting, they are primarily diagnosed based on a clinician’s impression of their patient’s symptoms. Typically, a “cold” is distinguished from the flu based on how quickly the symptoms come on and how severe they are. Historically, it’s been rare for clinicians to perform diagnostic tests, but post-COVID-19, it’s becoming more common.
How is the common cold diagnosed?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The common cold is often self-diagnosed, and clinicians diagnose it primarily based on the person's symptoms. A cold is typically differentiated from the flu by the speed of symptom onset and severity, and diagnostic tests have become more common in the post-COVID-19 era.