Is it a Cold, the Flu, Covid or RSV?
Blue Daily
| 4 min read
October normally marks the start of the influenza season, when cases of the virus increase significantly and remain high until the spring.
However, in the past six years, COVID-19 has entered the picture, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rates have risen. In addition to these respiratory illnesses, many people still catch the common cold during fall and winter months. It can be confusing to know whether a sore throat and stuffy nose is due to a cold, the flu, COVID, RSV or something else.
While there are similarities between the three sicknesses, there are significant differences as well. Here are five points of differentiation between these illnesses.
1. Symptoms
COVID, RSV, colds and flu cause many of the same symptoms, including:
- Cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
With COVID and the flu, symptoms may also include:
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Vomiting
COVID-19 may also cause a loss of taste or smell. In addition, symptoms of the flu often come on fast. Cold symptoms tend to come on more gradually. COVID symptoms vary in the speed of onset.
RSV usually feels like a cold and includes many of the same symptoms as other respiratory illnesses, while nausea and diarrhea are less common. Symptoms typically onset in stage over four to six days.
2. Diagnosis
A test can determine whether an individual is infected with COVID or influenza. There is no diagnostic test for the common cold. There are laboratory tests for RSV, and you'll need to see your primary care provider (PCP) for one.
At-home COVID and flu tests should be repeated in a few days if the initial result is negative and symptoms remain.
3. Treatment
There are antiviral medications for both influenza and COVID-19. These medications help the body fight the flu or COVID symptoms and shorten the time an individual is sick with the virus. Antivirals also can help to prevent the spread of infection, by lessening the viral load in an individual. Antiviral medications do not “cure” the virus, however. Individuals will need to consult their PCP to see if they are an eligible candidate.
There are no such specific treatments for RSV or the cold. Rest, increased liquids and over-the-counter medications all can help ease symptoms that come along with all four of these illnesses.
4. Transmission
COVID and RSV are considered more contagious than the flu virus. Additionally, if a person has COVID or RSV, they could be contagious for a longer time than if they had the flu.
COVID, RSV, the flu and the common cold are transmitted by droplets. This can be through large and small particles containing the viruses that are expelled when a person who is contagious coughs, sneezes or even talks. Precautions such as frequent hand washing, appropriate distancing and wearing face coverings can be effective in preventing the spread of these viruses.
5. Available vaccine
Vaccines are available for COVID, RSV and the flu, but there is no vaccine available for the common cold. RSV vaccines are available for infants, all adults age 75 or older and adults age 50 and older who are at increased risk for the illness.
The importance of vaccines
Having more people vaccinated against the seasonal flu and COVID will decrease the amount of people who get seriously ill from the flu this winter.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots and COVID vaccines for most people 6 months and older. Each year, the vaccines help protect individuals against the dominant strains of the flu and COVID viruses that experts predict will be the most active during the fall, winter and early spring months. Respiratory illness season typically begins in October and peaks in December and February – though cases can continue through the spring. It is safe to get a COVID booster and a flu shot at the same time.
The COVID and flu vaccines are available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies and clinics, and the CDC recommends getting the shot as early as September or October. Talk to your PCP about the RSV vaccine.
Photo credit: Getty Images
