Flu vs. COVID vs. RSV: How to Tell the Difference

As cold and flu season approaches, a cough, fever, and congestion can leave you wondering what's making you sick.

Is it the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)? Because these contagious respiratory illnesses share many of the same symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference without testing.

At North Oaks Health, providers care for patients with all three illnesses. We can help determine the cause of your symptoms and the next best steps to help you feel better fast.

Common Symptoms of Flu, COVID, and RSV

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV are all respiratory viruses that affect the nose, throat, and lungs. Common symptoms shared by all three illnesses can include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle or body aches

Because these symptoms overlap so much, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing to identify which virus is causing illness.

Symptoms of the Flu

The flu often causes symptoms that appear suddenly. Many people report feeling healthy one day and significantly worse the next. Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Cough

While not everyone with the flu develops a fever, flu symptoms tend to come on quickly and can make people feel very sick within a short period of time.

What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. According to the CDC, symptoms may develop anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure and can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

A new loss of taste or smell may also occur with COVID-19, although it is less common than earlier in the pandemic. COVID-19 may take longer than the flu to show symptoms after exposure.

Signs and Symptoms of RSV

RSV often looks like a common cold, especially in healthy adults and older children. Symptoms usually develop in stages rather than all at once and may include:

• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Reduced appetite

RSV can be especially serious for infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions. In very young babies, symptoms may also include irritability, decreased activity, or breathing difficulties.

Why Testing Matters

Because flu, COVID-19, and RSV can look so similar, testing is often the best way to determine which virus is causing your symptoms. This information can be important because treatment options differ.

For example, antiviral medications are available for influenza and COVID-19 and work best when started early in the illness. RSV is usually treated with over-the-counter medication and supportive care, such as rest and fluids.

When to Seek Medical Care

Most people recover at home, but you should call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you experience:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe dehydration
• Confusion
• Difficulty waking up or staying awake
• Symptoms that are worsening rather than improving

Parents should also seek medical attention if an infant is having trouble breathing, feeding poorly, or showing unusual sleepiness.

Protecting Yourself and Others

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and other professional organizations state that one of the best ways to protect yourself from serious illness caused by flu, COVID-19, and RSV is to stay up to date on recommended vaccines if you are eligible.

"Simple habits like washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when ill, and getting vaccinated go a long way in helping families stay healthy throughout cold and flu season," explains nurse practitioner Brittany Brumfield, FNP-C.

Flu, COVID-19, and RSV share many of the same symptoms, so it is often impossible to know which illness you have based on symptoms alone. If you are at high risk for complications, have severe symptoms, or need to know which virus is causing your illness, testing and diagnosis with a North Oaks Health provider can help put you on the road to recovery.

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