Winter is almost here, and with it may come runny noses, coughing, and congestion. But how do you know if you have just a common cold or one of the three respiratory viruses that make up the “tripledemic” – RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and influenza?
Based on symptoms along, it’s difficult to tell which illness you might have. But there are clues that can point you in the right direction: How severe your symptoms are, how long it took for symptoms to set in, what viruses are circulating in your community, and more. COVID can manifest much like a common cold, so it’s important to keep at-home tests on hand.
Identifying common Symptoms: Is it cold, flu, COVID-19 or RSV?
| Symptom | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 | RSV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | X | X | X | |
| Headache | X | X | X | X |
| Cough | X | X | X | X |
| Body Aches | X | X | ||
| Fatigue | X | X | ||
| Stuffy/Runny Nose | X | X | X | X |
| Sore Throat | X | X | X | X |
| Loss of Taste or Smell | X | |||
| Diarrhea | X |
If you develop symptoms of a respiratory illness, talk to your healthcare provider about testing and treatment options. Be aware of everyday prevention measures including:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Wear a mask in public places to reduce the amount of germs you breathe in, and to help protect others if you are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Get vaccinated to reduce your risk of serious illness.
In addition, you can take actions to improve the air quality in your environment. Filtering the air with portable air purifier, using exhaust fans, or choosing outdoor activity options.
Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!
