Respiratory Illnesses Diagnosis and Treatment (e.g., influenza, COVID-19, RSV)

Get piece of mind about common respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID and RSV viruses and more. Quick diagnosis and effective treatment for children and adults at FristMed in Budapest from dedicated, English-speaking doctors.

Get accurate evaluation and care for respiratory illnesses, including the flu (influenza), COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus), and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), for adults and children at FirstMed’s Budapest clinic. Obtain prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent worsening and potential complications with dedicated English-speaking doctors.

Respiratory illnesses affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Common respiratory illnesses are caused by viral infections, such as seasonal influenza (flu), RSV, and COVID-19, but bacterial infections, such as Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, also occur. They spread from fall to spring via droplet infection—coughing, sneezing, or saliva from sharing drinks. Since the infection doesn’t produce lasting immunity, it is possible to be reinfected. Left untreated, they can cause severe lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms:

Pay extra attention to infants, young children, or the elderly, because even seemingly simple infections can become more serious.

If you or your child shows symptoms of a respiratory illness, don’t wait—visit FirstMed in Budapest, even on the weekend, so that we can provide treatment for a faster recovery.

How do we diagnose respiratory illnesses at FirstMed?

At FirstMed’s Budapest clinic, our general practitioners and pediatricians carefully assess respiratory symptoms in children and adults and provide treatment through the following process:

Reviewing symptoms

Our doctors review the symptoms in detail: when they started, what the cough is like, whether there is shortness of breath, fever, or other symptoms.

Physical examination

Our doctor will examine the lungs with a stethoscope and check the condition of the throat and nose.

PCR test

We perform a painless, combined antigen rapid test which can identify 10 types of respiratory viruses. This helps our doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

Start treatment

Based on the diagnosis, our doctor will begin treatment, which may include medication, herbal products, and recommendations for sufficient rest.

Which symptoms indicate a viral respiratory illness?

The most common viruses — influenza (also known as the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes the disease known as ‘Covid-19’) — cause infections in the upper respiratory tract. These viruses are often confused with one another as they share many of the same symptoms. However, there are some differences.

Influenza A and B Types

Influenza causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, with primary symptoms including coughing, sore throat (scratchy feeling when swallowing), sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, elevated temperature or fever, muscle aches, headache or other pain, and diarrhea in children. In some instances (e.g., in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems), it can lead to serious, even fatal complications.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Those most susceptible to RSV infection are infants (especially premature babies), the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, in whom it can cause more serious lower respiratory tract illnesses (bronchiolitis, pneumonia) and breathing difficulties. This common, contagious respiratory viral infection can also cause a runny nose, cough, or even fever.

Coronavirus, COVID-19

Typical symptoms of COVID (SARS-CoV-2 infection) include loss of smell and taste, as well as short-term vomiting and diarrhea (within two weeks of infection). Unlike influenza, it does not cause fever or coughing, but rather sudden loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Vomiting may be accompanied by dizziness or weakness, as well as difficulty breathing or swallowing, and possibly coughing up blood or mucus.

Learn more about the differences between the symptoms of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in our article.

Other respiratory illnesses and their symptoms

Adenovirus-related respiratory infections produce similar symptoms to those of a common cold. In more severe cases, they can also cause pneumonia, croup, ear infections, or bronchitis. Adenovirus complications can be particularly risky for people with weakened immune systems.
Although the symptoms and name of parainfluenza are similar to those of influenza, it is caused by a different family of viruses, the human parainfluenza viruses. It can cause a cold, a fever, a runny nose, a cough, and, in more severe cases, even pneumonia. It is more frequent in the spring or summer, while influenza typically occurs in the winter.
In addition to the aforementioned viral infections, bacteria can also cause respiratory illnesses, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), which spreads through droplet infection and, in addition to atypical pneumonia, can often cause sudden, rapid infection of the trachea and bronchi. Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) can cause persistent symptoms lasting several weeks, including fever, a dry cough, and throat inflammation, and even pneumonia.

Respiratory illnesses strike suddenly and, if left untreated, can become severe. Don’t wait until severe symptoms appear; contact our 24-hour customer service and book an appointment for examination as soon as possible.

Fast and efficient screening for influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses with PCR testing

To ensure the most accurate diagnosis, our doctors perform a PCR test, with a combined antigen rapid test available at our clinic that can detect 10 pathogens from a nasal sample, including coronavirus (COVID-19), influenza, and RSV. The test is completely painless and can be performed on both adults and children. It provides rapid results so our doctors can make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment right away, during the same appointment.

How do we treat respiratory illnesses at FirstMed in Budapest?

Our doctors take a holistic approach to relieving respiratory infection symptoms by recommending adequate rest and plenty of fluids, along with medicinal products (herbal remedies) and medication to lessen severity and boost recovery. If necessary, they will recommend a specialist examination, e.g., by a pulmonologist, or hospital treatment (at cooperating institutions).

For effective treatment, consult one of our experienced, English-speaking GPs or pediatricians to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy.

What days can FirstMed screen for and treat children and adults with respiratory infections?

At FirstMed's Budapest clinic, our general practitioners are available every day of the week, while our pediatricians are available Monday through Saturday during our regular opening hours. For our regular patients, in serious cases, we provide telephone consultations outside of our opening hours to alleviate symptoms until a personal examination is possible.