Fewer masks mean return of common cold and symptom confusion Coronavirus and the common cold symptoms are similar, but there are a few differences. and last updated 2021-07-16 21:21:33-04 SAN DIEGO (KGTV) â Throughout the pandemic, masks have been worn to protect against coronavirus, however, theyâve also been protecting against other sicknesses like the cold, flu, strep throat, and more. Now, with masks coming off, those other illnesses are spreading more than they have been throughout the last year and a half. âI did not have any illness for about 15 months, not a sniffle,â said Kaiser Permanente Family Physical Heidi Meyer, MD.