"Summer Cold or the New COVID? Here’s How to Tell the Difference"

Feeling run down with a sore throat, congestion, or a lingering cough this summer? You’re not alone — but is it just a summer cold or something more serious, like one of the new COVID-19 variants (like FLiRT or KP.2)? The symptoms can be surprisingly similar, making it hard to tell the difference without a test. In this guide, we break down how to spot the key differences between a mild viral cold and COVID-19, what symptoms to watch for, when to test, and how to protect yourself and others. Stay informed, stay safe, and learn how to navigate summer sniffles in 2025.