A social media post comparing symptoms of COVID-19 with that of other infections is being shared attributing it to the pathology department of AIIMS, Delhi. We have also received a similar query on our WhatsApp tip line (+91 9247052470). Through this article, let’s fact-check the authenticity of the symptoms list shared in the post.
Claim: Comparison of respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 with other infections shared by pathology department of AIIMS, Delhi.
Fact: This list that compares the symptoms is not released by AIIMS. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 as given in this list are true but incomplete, the list misses out the condition of asymptomatic cases. Hence, the claim made in the post is FALSE.
The same list of comparisons is doing rounds on social media since 2020. Social media posts that shared the same list attributing it to AIIMS can be seen here.
However, we found that AIIMS Delhi has not issued any such comparison of symptoms of COVID-19, flu, and common cold. AIIMS has a dedicated portal for COVID-19. This portal has listed symptoms of the COVID-19 similar to those shared in the post, but there is no comparison of symptoms of COVID-19 with that of the other diseases.
AIIMS has listed fever, tiredness, and dry cough as the most common symptoms of COVID-19. Moreover, some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea.
However, the viral post has ignored the case of asymptomatic cases of COVID-19, wherein some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. WHO, CDC, and AIIMS have mentioned this.
To sum it up, this list that compares COVID-19 symptoms with other infections is not released by AIIMS.
