Health experts are already seeing an increase in cases of RSV and the flu this sick season. Add in COVID and you have the potential for what health officials are coining the “tripledemic.” According to The New York Times, the tripledemic is the emergence of these three respiratory viruses at the same time. Read on to learn about each illness, their similarities, and available testing options.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV infection, is an infection of the lungs, according to the Mayo Clinic. RSV season tends to be in the winter and spring. The infection can affect children and adults, but young children are the most severely infected. Symptoms of RSV often imitate those of the common cold.
Symptoms of RSV include:
- Runny nose and/or sneezing
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Low-grade fever
What are Symptoms of the Flu?
The flu, or influenza, is a “contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs,” according to the CDC. Flu season is generally starts in October and ends in May. Anyone can get the flu, but it is especially problematic for people ages 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, those who are pregnant, and children younger than 5 years old.
Flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Body or muscle aches
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
It is important to note that sometimes people can have the flu without a fever. Some people with the flu may also experience diarrhea and vomiting, which is more prevalent in children than adults.
COVID Symptoms
According to the CDC, there is a wide range of symptoms for COVID, but generally symptoms are:
- Chills or fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Not sure if it’s COVID, flu, or RSV? Rapid Testing LLC offers curbside testing at Advanced Urgent Care’s clinics – all without a provider visit. Get tested for COVID, RSV, and the flu in a single test, or just for COVID or the flu. Click here to learn more about our testing options.
RSV vs Flu vs COVID: Similarities
RSV, the flu, and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that share symptoms, and it is for this reason that people are becoming more on edge during these challenging times. According to Lab Corp, similar symptoms are:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Chills
- Cough
- Muscle soreness
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
The flu, RSV, and COVID-19 “spread easily through air on infected respiratory droplets.” In other words, if you are in close contact with someone who sneezes or coughs, you could contract the virus. The viruses can live for hours on surfaces and items such as counters, toys, and other objects. The viruses can even be contracted through direct contact with another person by shaking hands or other physical contact.
RSV vs Flu vs COVID: What are Some Differences?
Although this virus trio has very similar symptoms, there are a few differences, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- Wheezing, which is the sound of a rattle or whistle when breathing, is unique to RSV
- A very high fever, such as 103 or 104 degrees, is unique to the flu
- A loss of taste and smell is typically associated with COVID, but the Cleveland Clinic states that any virus can cause this. The difference with COVID is the long-term effects like brain fog
Preventing the Spread
According to Yale Medicine, a few things to keep in mind to prevent RSV, COVID, and the flu from spreading are:
- Washing your hands
- Covering your nose when sneezing or coughing
- Don’t share drinking glasses
- Cleaning surfaces and items like counters, toys, and other objects. RSV can live for hours on surfaces
- Avoiding others who are sick
Get Curbside Testing for COVID, Flu, & RSV!
Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado and Rapid Testing LLC are partnering to provide curbside rapid COVID, flu, and RSV testing at all of our clinics. Testing is available without a visit with a provider and you’ll receive test results the same day as testing. Click here to learn about the curbside tests and to schedule today!
See Us Today!
If felling unwell, consider a visit with Advanced Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine in Colorado. With clinics across the Denver metro area, get seen today so you can starting feeling better.
Walk-in or reserve your spot for a visit online. Our clinics are open 7 days a week. View a list of our clinics and reserve your spot for a visit by clicking here.
The 4-in-1 PCR rapid test for COVID, flu A&B, and RSV is also available if you are seen by a provider at one of our clinics. Please let the provider know you are interested in the rapid test at the time of your visit.
Keep in mind that we also offer telehealth visits with curbside testing. Schedule your telehealth visit and learn more by clicking here.