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Most Common Flu Symptoms: What To Look For
According to Newman and the CDC, common flu symptoms include:
Not everyone who catches the flu experiences all of these symptoms. Instead, it's common to have one symptom or a combination of several symptoms, says Newman. For example, not everyone with flu will experience fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in children, she says.
According to Dr. Ulm, individuals diagnosed with the flu should seek medical attention in the event of:
Parents caring for children with the flu should also be on the lookout for signs of dehydration (especially poor feeding and fewer wet diapers than normal in an infant) and indications of poor oxygenation like cyanosis (in which the skin, nail beds, lips and area around the mouth take on a bluish or gray discoloration), explains Dr. Ulm.
Differences Between the Flu, Common Cold and COVID-19Although the flu, common cold and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses, explains Newman. "The flu is caused by the Influenza virus, COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the common cold can be caused by a number of circulating viruses like rhinoviruses, seasonal coronaviruses and parainfluenza," she says.
Symptoms of these three viruses are often similar, so taking a test is necessary to differentiate between them, says Newman. Getting a diagnosis from your doctor is also recommended.
Common cold symptoms are usually milder than the flu or COVID-19 and don't start as intensely/abruptly, says Newman. Common colds are also less likely to lead to serious complications like pneumonia, sepsis, hospitalization or death, she says.
The flu often presents with cold-like symptoms, but also tends to manifest more often with fevers, severe headaches and muscle aches, a more pronounced cough and much more marked and long-lasting fatigue and weakness, explains Dr. Ulm.
When it comes to COVID-19, it shares flu symptoms like fever, muscle aches, pronounced fatigue, weakness and diarrhea (especially in kids), says Dr. Ulm. Runny noses are also becoming more common with newer COVID-19 variants, particularly subvariants of the Omicron strain.
"COVID-19 often presents with lasting anosmia or dysgeusia—loss of smell or altered taste," says Dr. Ulm, symptoms that are rare with the common cold or flu.
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Is It Covid, Flu, Or RSV- Differences, Symptoms, And Diagnosis
With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to know whether you have the flu, a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, or COVID-19.
The symptoms of these viruses can be similar, making it even more challenging to know what level of care you may require.
Let's discuss some key differences, symptoms to watch out for, and treatment options.
COVID-19COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is a respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. Other symptoms may include fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion, or runny nose.
This virus typically has an average incubation period of five days from exposure. However, newer variants can become symptomatic in three days.
The fluThe flu, or influenza, is a viral respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Other symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, chills, and muscle or body aches. Signs of the flu usually begin quickly, often one day after exposure.
The flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening, especially for older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
RSVRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus common in young children but can also affect adults, especially older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
RSV is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Common symptoms of RSV often present, like the common cold, and include cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever. In severe cases, RSV can cause wheezing, rapid breathing, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of RSV generally present four to six days after exposure.
DiagnosisSince many symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, and RSV are similar, the most accurate diagnosis requires laboratory testing.
Most clinics, 24 hour urgent care centers, and hospitals have combination tests for all three viruses. A laboratory test can be done by collecting a sample of your saliva, throat swab, or nasal swab.
Treatment optionsThere is no cure for COVID-19, but treatment is available to help relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment for COVID-19 may include rest, hydration, and medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. A vaccine is also available for COVID-19, which can help prevent infection or reduce symptoms.
A vaccine is also available for the flu, which can help prevent infection. The flu can be treated with antiviral medications, which can help to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. Antiviral medications can also reduce the risk of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
RSV is typically treated with supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Currently, there is no vaccine available for RSV.
Bottom lineA 24-hour urgent care center can be valuable for diagnosing COVID-19, the flu, or RSV. These centers can provide rapid and accurate testing for these respiratory illnesses, helping to quickly determine the cause of symptoms.
By utilizing a 24-hour urgent care center, individuals can receive prompt and effective care for their respiratory illness, helping to minimize the risk of complications and speed up recovery.
Common services provided by urgent care centers include in-person & virtual care for cold and flu symptoms, allergic reactions, physical examinations, and more.
Sources
https://www.Cdc.Gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.Htm
https://www.Cdc.Gov/rsv/about/symptoms.Html
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