Which Respiratory Infection Do You Have?

As we head into the winter months, it’s not uncommon to see with patients diagnosed with at least one but sometimes multiple respiratory infections; the challenge is determining if you have COVID-19, flu, a cold, RSV, bacterial infection or just allergies. With each of them having similar symptoms, a thorough evaluation, testing and proper treatment is going to be very important. In addition, keeping up on available vaccines is vital.

The common cold

Many may get the common cold during the winter months and for the majority of cold-sufferers rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications and supplements are enough to help with symptom management since antibiotics are not helpful. Symptoms tend to last 7-10 days.

Flu

Flu season runs from October to May. We recommend that you get vaccinated against the flu without delay if you haven’t done so already. Between 3 and 11% of US residents, up to 41 million people, come down with the flu each season, with approximately 200,000 hospitalizations. In most cases, resting, drinking plenty of fluid, Vitamin C, and OTC symptom relief medication are the best treatments. If symptoms become more severe, we recommend seeking medical treatment immediately. For those who are 65 years and older, those with certain chronic conditions, children younger than 5 and pregnant women, early treatment with antiviral medications may be necessary to prevent serious flu-related complications and hospitalization. The medication works to reduce the severity of symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness and prevent complications such as pneumonia. Testing to determine if you have the flu can now be done at home with newly approved home tests that are available for purchase at a pharmacy. Testing can also be done at an urgent care or ER. Most symptoms last 4 to 7 days but the cough and fatigue might continue for a couple of weeks.

Link to further information about flu: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719

RSV

We are hearing a great deal about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on the news, but RSV is not a new virus. While it usually presents like mild cold symptoms in healthy adults and older children, in newborns, infants, immunocompromised or older adults, RSV can be life-threatening. In May 2023, the CDC approved the first vaccine to prevent the RSV infection for adults over 60 years old and it has since approved additional vaccines for pregnant women and infants.

In infants and young children, symptoms include congestion, runny nose, cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, loss of appetite and irritability. When the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, symptoms increase and can include difficulty breathing, severe cough, shallow rapid breathing, and bluish color to the skin. These symptoms are considered an emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms, when not severe, tend to last 7-14 days though the cough may linger.

Link to further information about RSV: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098

COVID-19

COVID-19 is still very much in the forefront of our minds as we continue to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its long-lasting impact on a significant population who become infected. We recommend that as soon as you are feeling any respiratory symptoms, such as nasal congestion or sore throat, that you first test for COVID. Four free COVID tests are available from the government again, and tests are also readily available for purchase at most pharmacies. For some people, it takes up to three days to test positive and you can be contagious during this period even if you are not testing positive.

We also recommend having a thermometer and pulse oximeter available. The type and severity of symptoms are wide-ranging from person to person. In addition, underlying medical conditions may increase the risk of serious illness. There are FDA approved medications for COVID but need to be started when symptoms first appear. In most cases, symptoms can be managed at home. However, if you experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion, or changes in skin color, or pulse oximeter reading below 90%, emergency medical care is necessary. Studies have shown that being current on the vaccine schedule significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and helps to prevent hospitalizations. So if you are able, we recommend the COVID vaccine.

Link to additional information regarding Covid: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963

Bacterial infections

A viral infection can sometimes lead to a secondary bacterial infection, like a sinus infection or pneumonia. Bacterial infections can complicate and lengthen the time that you are sick. Changes or worsening symptoms after initially feeling better, including blowing or coughing up colored drainage or return of fever may indicate that you now have a bacterial infection. Treatment with antibiotics may be needed. If this occurs, a telemedicine appointment with your medical professional is needed so prescription medication can be prescribed.

Below is a symptom checker chart that outlines possible symptoms for each of the common illnesses described above. This may help determine the best treatment options. However, if you are under the weather, the best way to confirm the most appropriate treatment is with a discussion with your provider.

*Based on symptoms described here.

This article was originally published in December 2022. It was reviewed and updated in December 2024.