RSV and flu seasons typically run from October to March, and while researchers are still trying to pinpoint COVID spike patterns, COVID cases have tended to present strongly during fall and winter months as well. (ADOBE STOCK)
Graphic by: Jody Potter
By Savannah Koplon
UAB News
Lee stresses that people who are knowingly sick should stay at home and avoid public places like stores, work or school, wear a mask around others, and take other precautions to not make others around them sick.
For those who are in high-risk populations, such as those who are immunosuppressed, prevention is key. This includes masking in crowded areas, avoiding public areas where they could get infected, and staying away from family and friends who are sick.
Small CRF graphicGraphic by: Jody Potter
Regardless of whether someone is sick or not, practicing proactive and frequent hand hygiene is a critical way to stop the spread of germs and viruses.
What do I have?
RSV and flu seasons typically run from October to March, and while researchers are still trying to pinpoint COVID spike patterns, COVID cases have tended to present strongly during fall and winter months as well.
Since all three respiratory viruses have overlapping symptoms and intensities depending on a person’s response, it can be difficult to determine what virus one may have without panel testing.
Flu
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, lead to death, especially in people who are at high risk. The flu is different from a cold, as the flu usually comes on suddenly without warning.
People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than in adults.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus is a virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. While cases of RSV in healthy adults can often present mildly and like the common cold, babies 12 months and under and older adults — including immunocompromised ones — can have a severe infection that can lead to hospitalization.
A long-awaited vaccine for RSV is now available for eligible groups, including children and older adults.
RSV can present some or all of these symptoms:
Runny nose
Dry cough
Sore throat
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing
More cold-like symptoms
COVID
In the nearly four years since the COVID virus emerged, different strains have presented varying cases of COVID that offer a wide range of reactions. Generally speaking — and based on what is being seen currently — COVID still is highly contagious and can cause severe reactions in those infected.
People with COVID may experience some or all of the following symptoms:
Runny nose
Fever
Cough
Body aches
Diarrhea
General feeling of being unwell
Difficulty breathing
Potential loss of taste and smell
Staying healthy this winter
For all three viruses, there are ways you can protect yourself, family and friends:
Get the flu and COVID vaccines if you are 6 months of age or older; get the RSV vaccine if you are eligible — it is not too late to get vaccinated to mitigate or prevent severe outcomes of illness.
There is no need to leave the house to get help with cold, flu or COVID symptoms. UAB eMedicine allows you to get the care you need, when you need it, from wherever you are. For on-demand urgent care, please visit uabemedicine.com.
