We’ve all had those mornings when we wake up with a sore throat, headache, and an overall sense of unease. If you’re trying to figure out whether the symptoms are due to COVID-19, influenza, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), this guide will help clarify the situation for you.
How can you identify COVID-19, the flu, and RSV?
All three viruses, influenza (also known as the flu), RSV, and COVID-19, cause infections in the upper respiratory tract. These are often confused with one another, as they share many of the same symptoms. Read more about the differences in how each virus presents itself that may help you tell them apart.
Main characteristics of influenza
The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads worldwide and follows a seasonal pattern, usually beginning in the fall and continuing through spring. People with the flu are more likely to experience these symptoms than those with COVID-19 or RSV infections:
- Coughing
- Sore throat (a scratchy feeling when you swallow)
- Sneezing (may be absent in RSV)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- High body temperature/fever
- Muscle aches, headaches, or body pains (may be absent in RSV)
- Diarrhea from the flu is more common in children.
Specific symptoms related to COVID-19
COVID-19 has specific symptoms, such as loss of smell (anosmia) and loss of taste (ageusia), which are uncommon with the flu. Other symptoms may be vomiting and diarrhea, which typically occur within two weeks after exposure and last up to two days. It does not involve fever or a cough, but rather a sudden loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. You may also feel dizzy or weak, have trouble breathing or swallowing, or cough up blood or mucus when you vomit.
Characteristics of diseases caused by RSV
RSV can cause symptoms such as coughing, a runny nose, sneezing, and fever. Those who are infected may also experience difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, wheezing, or nasal flaring. RSV primarily affects children under the age of two and adults with weakened immune systems, particularly older adults. Generally, healthy adults are unlikely to be concerned about RSV. However, if you have a baby, it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms to watch for.
Keep in mind that the symptoms of these illnesses are all caused by respiratory viruses and therefore alter only slightly. If you (or your child) don’t feel well, the best thing to do is to contact a doctor (general practitioner or pediatrician) and get tested.
How to be protected from infection?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself or your child from getting sick.
Keep up a good hygiene routine:
- Washing hands with soap and water frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, including sharing cups, utensils, meals, and cigarettes, even within the family.
- Use a paper tissue when coughing or sneezing (and dispose of used tissues properly).
- If you are susceptible to complications from viral infections, wear a mask in crowded places and on public transportation.
Boost your immune system:
- Keep a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Reduce stress as much as possible. You can practice simple stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or a herbal bath.
- Be active. Physical activity keeps you fit and helps alleviate stress, thereby improving your overall health. A walk in the morning will get enough vitamin D into your body for that day. If you go for a stroll at night, it will help ensure better sleep.
The most effective way to shield yourself from these viruses is by getting vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is adequate protection for the whole family, even if you are healthy (in case there are no contraindications). It strengthens the immune system and makes you resistant to infection. Seasonal vaccines are available in Hungary around mid-October each year. Children can also get a nasal spray to avoid the needle prick. It is best to get the flu shot at the beginning of the season, as soon as it becomes available. However, if you and your family have not been vaccinated against the flu as the fall and winter seasons progress, there is no need to worry—it can still protect against the disease later on.
Protection against RSV is suggested primarily for premature babies and little children suffering from congenital heart defects, chronic lung disease, and neurological diseases. It provides a so-called passive immunization, a process in which antibodies are injected into the body before the start of the flu season and repeated once every month between November and March. Our pediatricians are happy to advise you on vaccinating your child against RSV.
COVID vaccinations are available throughout the year and recommended for everyone. For extra protection, get a booster if you haven’t had one in a while. In Hungary, COVID-19 vaccinations are only available in the state healthcare system. Foreign citizens can register here to receive the vaccination.
Does COVID-19 vaccination protect against seasonal flu?
There’s confusion about these two vaccines because they look similar and they’re both administered in a doctor’s office. The flu shot is entirely different from the COVID vaccine—you can still get sick with the flu even if you’ve been vaccinated for COVID. A flu shot protects against four types of influenza viruses, while the COVID vaccine only protects against one strain of COVID-19.
The flu vaccine contains three or four strains of influenza A and B viruses. It is essential to receive the flu vaccine annually, as the influenza virus mutates frequently; therefore, the vaccine is updated accordingly.
The COVID vaccine is administered every six months and protects against just one strain of COVID-19 (A/H1N1).
What should you do if you think you are infected with one of the respiratory viruses?
In case of mild symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest, and try to sleep as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of fluids, including water, fruit juices, and herbal teas (such as ginger and lemon). Avoid sugary drinks and foods that can increase dehydration, such as alcohol and caffeine.
- Wash your (child’s) hands frequently with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of the infection.
If the symptoms persist or worsen within a few days, consult a doctor.
The doctor may request a lab test at the clinic to accurately diagnose these viruses. Based on the test results, they can recommend treatment options, prescribe medications, or refer you to another specialist for further evaluation and management.
Conclusion
During the fall and winter seasons, we spend a significant amount of time in proximity to each other in confined spaces, making it essential to take precautions to avoid respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19, or RSV. Many different viruses are circulating among us, and it can be challenging to identify the symptoms to look for and know how to respond to them.
There are a few things that are true for all of them:
- Take vaccination, as it shields the immune system against complications.
- Keep your hands clean, wash your hands often,
- Avoid touching your face,
- Get enough rest.
- Drink enough water and alcohol-free beverages to stay hydrated (about 3-4 liters of fluids a day for adults).
Check on your family members who may be at risk due to underlying health conditions or their age. If you think you might have one of these illnesses, don’t hesitate to see a doctor so they can help to recover quickly.
Edited by: Dorottya Fekete
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Andrea Ludányi, General Practitioner, Internist