As respiratory virus season gets underway across the United States, medical experts are warning that overlapping symptoms can make it difficult to determine whether a patient is battling a standard cold, influenza, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus.
Early seasonal influenza cases across the country appear to be driven by a variant of the H1N1 strain, with COVID-19 and RSV anticipated to expand their spread in the coming weeks, according to specialists at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Identifying the exact cause of an infection is critical because targeted prescription antiviral therapies exist for both influenza and COVID-19, but only if they are started promptly.
“There are COVID and influenza antiviral drugs available if you do get infected, but they need to be taken within a few days of symptom onset,” said Andrew Pekosz of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, as reported by WKMG.
Spotting Key Differences in Symptoms
While basic symptoms such as coughing, sneezing and a runny nose are common across many seasonal bugs, their timing and severity often differ. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a typical common cold peaks within two to three days after infection. However, breathing issues indicate a more serious condition.
“If you have some trouble breathing, that usually means the infection is spreading deeper into your lungs, and then it’s probably not a cold — it’s probably one of the other respiratory viruses,” Pekosz told WFMZ.
Flu symptoms frequently present abruptly rather than gradually. Patients often experience sudden fever, chills, severe fatigue and, particularly among children, gastrointestinal complications alongside standard congestion.
COVID-19 symptoms typically emerge anywhere from two days to two weeks following exposure, WKMG reported. Aside from standard flu-like ailments, COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath or a sudden loss of taste or smell.
By contrast, RSV symptoms usually develop between four and six days after contact with the virus and tend to emerge in gradual stages rather than all at once. Symptoms can include a drop in appetite and wheezing. In young infants, RSV may trigger irritability, reduced physical activity and breathing problems, sometimes occurring without any fever.
Risks, Testing and Medical Care
Before RSV immunizations became available, the illness was the top cause of infant hospitalization nationwide, according to the CDC. The virus can lead to serious lung complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. High-risk groups include infants and older adults, particularly those who have weakened immune systems or chronic heart or lung conditions.
Unlike COVID-19 and the flu, RSV has no routinely recommended antiviral treatment, the Statesboro Herald reported. Patients are generally treated with supportive measures such as fluids, rest and over-the-counter fever reducers.
Rapid diagnostic options have expanded, including over-the-counter multi-virus kits such as the iHealth four-in-one rapid antigen test, which screens for COVID-19, RSV, influenza A and influenza B using one nasal swab within 15 minutes, according to the Statesboro Herald. Intended for individuals within their first six days of respiratory symptoms, the test can be self-administered by people ages 14 and older or given by adults to children as young as six months old.
Health authorities caution that rapid tests can yield false negatives if viral levels remain low. Manufacturer directions frequently recommend repeat testing at least twice across three days, spaced 48 hours apart. Immediate emergency care is necessary for anyone experiencing severe dehydration, chest pain or trouble breathing.
The CDC advises individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms to remain home until their symptoms improve and they have had no fever for at least 24 hours without medication, followed by five days of added precautions. Johns Hopkins experts emphasize that eligible individuals seeking vaccines for the flu, COVID-19 or RSV should get inoculated promptly, as maximum protection takes roughly two weeks to develop.
