You’re Sick, What Is It?

They’re all viral, and they share some symptoms. Here’s some help telling the difference.

It’s been happening all winter: Patients develop upper-respiratory symptoms and worry that they may have COVID-19 or something else. What to do?

First, it’s important to stay calm. The likelihood that you’re going to recover from a cold, the flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) or COVID-19 is very high—particularly if you’ve received vaccine and/or booster shots earlier in the season, says Sonia Chadha, M.D., a Paramus-based primary care and family medicine physician. Manage your symptoms appropriately and get plenty of rest, but seek medical attention when you need it, she adds.

Call your primary care doctor and describe your symptoms to find out what your next steps should be. However, if you feel that your symptoms warrant a trip to the Emergency Department—for instance, if you’re having difficulty breathing—don’t delay.

Statistics show that people with underlying health issues, such as cancer or diabetes, are most likely to have complications from COVID-19. Older adults and young children—or those with weakened or developing immune systems—who have RSV can develop further complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia and may require immediate medical attention.

Because these viral infections share many symptoms, it’s not possible to tell them apart without specific testing—especially COVID-19 and the flu. But use the chart here to get an idea of what your symptoms may mean.

Dr. Chadha also recommends we do our part to not only keep ourselves healthy, but to help avoid spreading illnesses. “If you continue to practice the safety measures that were stressed during the pandemic—using hand sanitizer, washing hands thoroughly, covering nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze—then you greatly reduce your risk of getting sick,” she says. “And remember to be respectful to others. Stay home if you have any symptoms like coughing, sneezing, fever, chills and/or body aches. Staying safe and healthy is a team effort.”

HOW IT SPREADS

KEY SYMPTOMS

HOW IT’S DIAGNOSED

COLD FLU COVID-19 RSV

Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it Droplets expelled by coughing, sneezing or talking; touching a surface that has the virus on it

Nasal congestion, sore throat, headache, possibly mild cough Fever, chills, muscle aches, exhaustion; runny nose, sore throat, headache; possible nausea, vomiting, diarrhea A wide range, including fever, cough, shortness of breath; sometimes, lack of taste or smell, which may come on suddenly. Some people experience only a few of these symptoms or none at all. Runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, loss of appetite. In infants, difficulty breathing, irritability, decreased activity

No test; diagnosis based on symptoms

Swab test performed by healthcare provider

Usually, swab or saliva test

Swab test performed by healthcare provider

TREATMENT Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications, such as decongestants, pain relievers and cough suppressants Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe or high-risk cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed. Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications. Antiviral medications or monoclonal antibodies may be used to treat those at increased risk of severe illness.

RECOVERY TIME

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

A few days to two weeks A few days to two weeks, if no complications, such as pneumonia, develop For mild cases, about two weeks; for more severe cases, six weeks or more One to two weeks for mild cases, longer for cases requiring clinical treatment or hospitalization

Wash hands often; don’t touch face; avoid close contact with infected persons Wash hands often; don’t touch face; avoid contact with infected persons. Annual flu vaccine is recommended for most people aged 6 months and older. Wash hands often; don’t touch face; wear mask; maintain 6 feet of distance from others outside your home; avoid contact with infected persons; get recommended vaccinations Wash hands often; cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve; avoid close contact with infected persons

Bed rest; fluids; over-the-counter medications and pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Additional oxygen or IV fluids may be required for more severe illnesses.