I still can't tell the difference between Covid and a cold

Last week, I woke up in the middle of the night with a sore throat. I went to get some Chloroseptic spray and as I went back to bed I thought, ‘I wonder if this is the start of Covid?’

That morning a few new symptoms arrived. My nose was running, I was sneezing and I developed a cough. Again I thought, ‘I wonder if this is the start of Covid?’

I spent much of the day resting in bed, But, in addition to the above symptoms, I was getting chills. So, instead of getting under the covers or turning down the air conditions, I headed off to the closest Immediate Care location. They checked my vitals and did a rapid test for both Covid and the flu. Both came back negative.

The doctor said, “Mr. Moore, you have a cold. Get rest, drink fluids, take Tylenol.” What I heard was ‘It’s only the first day of these symptoms. Sometimes the test doesn’t show itself as positive for a few days. Come back then.’

Then came Saturday—three days after the negative test. I was feeling even worse because in the third day of a cold, that’s how you are supposed to feel. But, I thought that’s also how you are supposed to feel in the third day of having Covid. So, guess where I went—again?!!!

And again they did another check-up and ran another rapid test for Covid. And again it came back negative. Sigh!

The doctor again said, “Mr. Moore, you have a cold. Get rest, drink fluids, take Tylenol.” What I heard was, ‘Give it a few more days. We’ll try again.’

Two days later my throat was still hurting. I thought some ice cream might help cool it a bit. I had a scoop of butter pecan—NO TASTE! It was off to Google. Yes, losing your sense of taste of taste is a symptom of Covid. It’s also a sign of having a cold. DAMN YOU GOOGLE!!

We’re now on day nine of this. I’m feeling much better. I was able to taste the strawberry ice cream I had yesterday. The sneezing is gone. I'm still coughing but it’s not too bad. I’m not quite back to normal yet, but I’ve never been close to normal. But, here’s the thing—this hasn't got me any closer to being able to tell the difference between Covid and a common cold. Oh well—maybe next time I’ll be able to figure it out—and there will be a next time.