With so many different respiratory illnesses going around this time of year, distinguishing what type you have when you’re feeling sick can be tricky. While it is often a different strain of virus or bacteria, it certainly doesn’t help that their symptoms can be similar.
Acute respiratory illnesses such as RSV, COVID-19, and the flu have Americans across the nation seeking healthcare at high levels. Right now, emergency departments are seeing an influx of flu and RSV patients, and those numbers are expected to increase.
“One way to differentiate between infections is whether it is in your upper or lower respiratory tract. If it is in the upper, symptoms will affect your sinuses like a runny nose, throat pain, swollen lymph nodes, earache, headache, and a dry cough. Lower Respiratory Illnesses (LRIs) tend to be more severe in nature and can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations. Coughing is the primary symptom of LRIs, but people can also experience an increase in production of phlegm, difficulty breathing or wheezing, chest pain, fever, body aches, and skin turning blue.
Upper Respiratory Illnesses (URIs) can often be resolved without treatment, but LRIs are more serious and may require the help of an antibiotic. Your primary care doctor can treat short term respiratory illnesses like the cold, but if you continue to struggle with a respiratory condition, schedule an appointment to see the pulmonologists at Catholic Health. We will work with you to provide you with the best treatment options available and get you back to optimal respiratory health.”
Daniel Brown, MD
Pulmonologist, Catholic Health
Diagnostic testing is currently available for COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. However, flu and RSV tests are typically reserved for patients who have been hospitalized with symptoms.
A typical cold will start out mild and gradually get worse, but most people generally experience the usual dry cough, stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat. RSV symptoms are similar to the common cold and come on gradually, but the virus usually only affects children and the elderly and can be severe.
COVID-19 symptoms appear over time and can range from mild to severe, including fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, or cough. The flu has the same symptoms as COVID-19, but also includes muscle and body aches, and symptoms tend to appear suddenly. They are often severe and can lead to hospitalization. Keeping track of your symptoms can help you or your provider determine which illness you have and if medical treatment is appropriate.
You can also visit the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases website for additional resources on how to tell the difference between the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and a cold.
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