Am I infected with COVID-19, RSV, the flu, or a cold? How to discern the differences

Am I infected with COVID-19, RSV, the flu, or a cold? How to discern the differences

The cold, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 viruses are among the frequent ailments spreading throughout Oregon as the weather turns cooler. The number of influenza, COVID-19, and RSV infections has increased over the past few weeks, according to a statement released by the Oregon Health Authority on Thursday.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, OHA's state epidemiology and health officer, declared that influenza season has unquestionably come. Additionally, RSV is not far behind. Knowing which of these conditions you have can be challenging because they all have certain similarities.

Learn more about these conditions and some of the main distinctions between them. 

When does flu season begin? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the peak flu season occurs between December and February.According to OHA, the flu season in Oregon starts in October. As of Thursday, the average percentage of those who tested positive for the flu had increased from just under 1% in October to 5.7% by the end of November and 18.7% as of Thursday. Flu-related hospitalizations were also on the rise. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the flu season is expected to continue into the spring, usually waning in May. Influenza viruses can spread at any time of the year.

What is the flu? The influenza virus is the cause of the flu, a respiratory disease. What signs of the flu are present? Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically appear unexpectedly. At worst, the flu can be fatal, and at best, a person may not notice their symptoms. The CDC has listed several flu symptoms to be aware of. Fever chills Sore throat A runny nose Weariness Aches in the body Headache Cough Throwing up Having diarrhea

What signs of the common cold are present? Common cold symptoms include: A runny nose Coughing Fatigue and sore throat eyes that are watery A headache Sneezing

What makes the flu different from a cold? Despite their similarities, there are several important distinctions between the symptoms of the flu and a cold.Colds and the flu develop at different speeds; the former usually starts slowly, while the latter spreads more swiftly. While the flu can become severe and even fatal in certain situations, colds are usually a mild sickness.

What is COVID-19? A coronavirus is the cause of COVID-19, a respiratory disease, according to the CDC.Between September, when the daily count remained at or slightly over 200, and the end of November, when it fell below 100, the Oregon Health Authority reported that the number of hospitalized COVID-19-positive patients throughout the state progressively declined. "But it appears, for now, to be on the rise again," OHA stated for Thursday.What COVID-19 symptoms are present? Among the signs of COVID-19 are:The fever Cough Weary Anxiety nauseous a sore throat swollen nose Smell and taste loss In addition, COVID-19 can induce persistent symptoms that don't seem to be connected to the initial infection, unlike the flu or cold.

What distinguishes COVID-19 from the flu? The CDC stated that although the two diseases are communicable and share similar symptoms, they are brought on by distinct viruses and may manifest at different times.In contrast to COVID-19, which can cause symptoms up to 14 days after infection, flu symptoms can show up one to four days after infection. In addition to having the potential for more serious effects, COVID-19 can be contagious for longer than the flu.

In Oregon, when is RSV season? Typically, the RSV season starts in the fall and ends in the winter, although each year's timing and intensity might vary, according to the CDC.According to the Oregon Health Authority, RSV test positivity rose from less than 1% between the weeks ending October 5 and November 23 to 3.2% for the week ending December 14. What is RSV? The respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that can cause inflammation of the lungs and respiratory system, according to John Hopkin Medicine.Infants under a year old may have more severe inflammatory symptoms, which can result in pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which can be fatal, although the majority of children and adults only have minor symptoms of RVS.

What RSV symptoms are present? RSV symptoms can start four to six days after contact, with the common cold being the first and mildest symptom to show.The following are typical signs of RSV in both adults and children: swollen nose Coughing. The act of sneezing The wheezing Reduced appetite Severe respiratory illness can result from low temperature RVS in babies. If you observe any of the following symptoms, it's critical to get in touch with a physician: Elevated fever Coughing more intensely The wheezing Chest heaving or flare of the nostrils erratic or fast breathing The blue hue of fingers, lips, and skin Weary or exhausted Inability to swallow, chew, or drink

Who should be vaccinated against RSV, COVID-19, and the flu? "Everyone should get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines now, and those in high-risk groups — infants, young children, older adults, and pregnant persons — should also get the RSV vaccine," said OHA's Sidelinger. According to the CDC, everyone six months of age and up should get vaccinated against the flu. Children ages 5 and under, pregnant women, people with long-term medical issues, and adults 65 and older are among the groups most at risk for contracting the flu. Keeping up with COVID-19 immunizations is also advised, particularly for those 65 and older and those with compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to the virus. It is advised that pregnant women, people 75 years of age and older, and babies get the RSV vaccine.