New Vaccines in the Pipeline 2020

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I Feel Sick. How Do I Know If I Have The Flu, COVID, RSV Or Something Else?

You wake with a sore throat and realise you are sick. Is this going to be a two-day or a two-week illness? Should you go to a doctor or just go to bed?

Most respiratory illnesses have very similar symptoms at the start: sore throat, congested or runny nose, headache, fatigue and fever. This may progress to a dry cough.

Best case scenario is that you have "a cold" (which can be any one of hundreds of viruses, most commonly rhinovirus), which is short-lived and self-limiting.

But some respiratory illnesses can be much more serious. Here is a brief guide to some important bugs to know about that are circulating this winter, and how to work out which one you have.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

For most people an RSV infection will feel like "a cold" – annoying, but only lasting a few days.

However, for babies, older adults and people with immune issues, it can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and even become life-threatening.

RSV isn't seasonal, which means you are just as likely to get it in summer as in winter. However, it is highly contagious so we noticed it disappearing almost completely during COVID lockdowns.

There is now a rapid-antigen test (RAT) for RSV which also checks for influenza and COVID, and is the best way of finding out if RSV is what is causing symptoms.

Recently, a preventative immune therapy has become available for high risk babies (nirsevimab) and there are also vaccines for higher risk adults. Nirsevimab is also available to all babies for free in Western Australia and Queensland.

A preventative immune therapymmune therapy is available for at-risk babies (and in some states, all babies). Polkadot_photo/Shutterstock

But there are no specific treatments. Adults who get it simply have to ride it out (using whatever you need to manage symptoms).

Babies and higher risk patients need to present to an emergency department if they test positive for RSV and are also looking or feeling very unwell (this might mean rapid shallow breathing, fevers not coming down with paracetamol or ibuprofen, a baby not feeding, mottled-looking skin, or going blue around the mouth).

If a patient has developed a bronchiolitis or pneumonia, they may need to be hospitalised.

Influenza

Once you have had the "true flu" (influenza), you will find it frustrating when people call their sniffly cold-like symptoms a "flu".

Influenza infections generally start with a sore throat and headache which quickly turns into high fevers, generalised aches and excessive fatigue. You feel like you have been hit by a truck and may struggle to get out of bed. This can last a week or more, even in people who are generally fit and healthy.

Influenza is a major public health issue internationally, with 3–5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually.

People who are at greater risk of complications from influenza include pregnant women, children under five, adults aged 65 and over, First Nations peoples, and people with chronic or immunosuppressive medical conditions. For this reason, annual vaccination is recommended and funded for vulnerable people.

Vaccination is also readily available for all Australians who want it, through pharmacies as well as medical clinics, usually at a cost of less than A$30. In some states, it's free for all residents.

Vaccination usually costs less than $30 or is free for at-risk groups. 89stocker/Shutterstock

Influenza is seasonal, with definite peaks in the winter months. This is why vaccines are offered from early autumn.

If you think you may have influenza, there are now home-testing RATs: all current influenza RATs are in combination with COVID RATs, as the symptoms overlap.

Treatment for most people is to manage symptoms and try to avoid spreading it around. Doctors can also prescribe antivirals to vulnerable patients; these work best if started within 48 hours of symptoms.

COVID

It has been less than five years since COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, started to spread around the world in pandemic proportions. Although COVID is no longer a public health emergency, it still causes more deaths than influenza and RSV combined.

Unlike RSV and influenza, only those aged over 70 are in a high-risk age group for COVID. Other factors besides age may put you at higher risk of becoming very unwell when infected by this virus. This includes having other respiratory diseases (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD), diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, obesity or heart disease.

Unlike most respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 tends to set off inflammation beyond the respiratory system. This can involve a range of other organs including the heart, kidneys and blood vessels.

Although most people are back to their usual work or study after a week or two, a significant proportion go on to experience extended symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog and mood changes. When these last more than 12 weeks, without any other explanation for symptoms, it's called long COVID.

Some people experience symptoms for weeks or months. Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

COVID vaccines can prevent serious illness and have been monitored for several years now for their safety and effectiveness. Current vaccination recommendations are based on age and immune status. It's worth discussing them with your doctor if you are unsure whether you would benefit or not.

Antivirals can treat COVID in higher-risk people who contract it, whether vaccinated or not.

Specific advice about what to do if you test positive on a RAT will vary according to your current state guidelines and workplace, however the general principles are always: avoid spreading the virus to others, and give yourself time to rest and recover.

What if it's not one of those?

So you've done your combined RSV/flu/COVID RAT and the result is negative. But you still have symptoms. What else could it be?

More than 200 different viruses can cause cold and flu symptoms, including rhinovirus (mentioned above), adenovirus and sometimes even undefined pathogens.

If an illness progresses to a cough which will not go away, and/or you start coughing up sputum, this could be a bacterial infection, such as pertussis (whooping cough), streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilus influenzae or moraxella catarrhalis. So it's worth getting assessed by a GP who may do a chest Xray and/or test your sputum, particularly if they suspect pneumonia.

You also may also start out with what is clearly a viral infection but then get a secondary bacterial infection later. So if you are getting more unwell over time, it's worth getting tested, in case antibiotics will help.

However, taking antibiotics for a purely viral illness will not only be useless, it can contribute to harmful antibiotic resistance and give you unwanted side effects.

What To Know About 'Teflon Flu' Amid A Rise In Cases In The US

A recent record number of cases of polymer fume fever, also known as "Teflon flu," are putting a spotlight on one of the most common causes of the condition, the use of nonstick pans.

Over 265 suspected cases of polymer fume fever were reported in 2023, the highest number of cases since the year 2000, according to America's Poison Centers, which represents the nation's 55 poison centers in partnership with the United States government.

Over the past two decades, there have been more than 3,600 reports of suspected cases of polymer fume fever, according to the Centers. Not all of these cases happened at home - many were occupational exposures, according to the Centers. But experts say the new record is putting a spotlight on the proper way to use these pans when cooking at home.

The condition is caused by overheating pans coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which releases fumes into the air. Breathing in those fumes can cause flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms of polymer fume fever include chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing and headaches.

FDA says food packaging made with PFAS 'forever chemicals' no longer being sold in US

The symptoms tend to go away within two to three days but the long-term effects of the condition remain unknown, according ABC News medical contributor Dr. Darien Sutton, an emergency medicine physician.

"We don't yet know the long-term effects, but we do know that these chemicals, these PFAS, are associated with health conditions like thyroid abnormalities, certain cancers, like kidney cancer, as well as certain problems with infertility," Sutton said Friday on "Good Morning America." "So it's important to be safe with these products."

PFAS are manufactured chemicals that have been used in products like nonstick cookware, cosmetics and water-repellent clothing for decades, but have more recently been linked to cause adverse health effects in some instances, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the U.S., manufacturers aren't required to identify PFAS on labels.

Important Causes Of Pneumonia Everyone Needs To Know

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Understanding what causes pneumonia can help people take steps to prevent it and seek timely treatment.

The most common cause of pneumonia is infection by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Each type of microorganism can lead to pneumonia in different ways. Bacterial pneumonia, for example, is often caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae.

This bacteria can be inhaled through the air or spread from person to person through close contact. Research shows that bacterial pneumonia is more common and often more severe than other types.

Viral pneumonia is another significant cause, often resulting from respiratory viruses like influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and even the common cold virus.

These viruses can be easily spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Studies have found that viral pneumonia tends to be more common in children and the elderly.

While it can be less severe than bacterial pneumonia, it can still cause serious health problems, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Fungal pneumonia is less common but can be serious, particularly in people with compromised immune systems. Certain types of fungi, such as Histoplasma, Coccidioides, and Cryptococcus, can cause pneumonia, especially in specific regions where these fungi are more prevalent.

For example, Histoplasma is commonly found in the central and eastern United States, particularly in areas with bird or bat droppings.

Research has shown that people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, are at higher risk for fungal pneumonia.

In addition to infections, there are other factors that can increase the risk of developing pneumonia. One important factor is age. Very young children and older adults are more susceptible to pneumonia because their immune systems are not as strong.

In children, the immune system is still developing, while in older adults, the immune system can become weaker with age.

Chronic illnesses can also increase the risk of pneumonia. People with chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia because their lungs are already compromised.

Similarly, individuals with heart disease, diabetes, or conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk.

Research indicates that these chronic conditions can make it harder for the body to fight off infections, leading to a higher likelihood of pneumonia.

Smoking is another major risk factor for pneumonia. Smoking damages the lungs and impairs the body's ability to defend against infections.

Studies have consistently shown that smokers are more likely to develop pneumonia than non-smokers. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk and improve overall lung health.

Environmental factors can also play a role in the development of pneumonia. Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, or toxic fumes can damage the lungs and make them more susceptible to infections.

People who work in certain occupations, such as construction or agriculture, may be exposed to these harmful substances and therefore have a higher risk of pneumonia.

Poor nutrition and a lack of access to healthcare can further increase the risk of pneumonia. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

People who do not have regular access to healthcare may not receive necessary vaccinations or timely treatment for respiratory infections, leading to a higher likelihood of developing pneumonia.

Preventing pneumonia involves addressing these risk factors whenever possible. Vaccinations are a key preventive measure, especially for young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.

Vaccines can protect against some of the most common causes of pneumonia, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and the influenza virus.

Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, can help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia. Avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to environmental pollutants can also help protect lung health.

For individuals with chronic illnesses, managing their conditions effectively and following their healthcare provider's recommendations can reduce the risk of pneumonia.

In summary, pneumonia is caused by a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as by other factors like age, chronic illnesses, smoking, and environmental exposures.

Understanding these causes can help people take steps to prevent pneumonia and seek appropriate treatment if they develop symptoms. By taking preventive measures and maintaining good overall health, the risk of pneumonia can be significantly reduced.

If you care about lungs, please read studies about a review of COPD-friendly foods for lung health, and can Vitamin C and E help fight lung cancer.

For more health information, please see recent studies about how diet influences lung health, and these vegetables could benefit your lung health.

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