As fall leaves, cool weather, and pumpkin spice ring through the hustle and bustle of fall, you may find yourself falling victim to that all-too-familiar tickle in your throat.
Many experts consider fall and winter to be upper respiratory virus season because cases of so many diseases typically spike.
So you may be wondering what your symptoms are indicating. Is it a new coronavirus infection? RS virus? influenza? Or is it just a common cold?
“These are all respiratory viruses. Clinically they are very difficult to differentiate,” said Timothy Brewer, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Clinically they can look identical and we are in what is known as respiratory virus season.”
Brewer, who teaches epidemiology and also works as an infectious disease physician, said respiratory virus outbreaks typically begin in September and last through April.
CDC data Brewer showed that the rate of positive coronavirus tests skyrocketed in August and September, reaching 14.6% on Aug. 26 and dropping to 10.9% by Sept. 30. He said he expected RSV and influenza infection rates to rise in the coming months. .
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Key differences: COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and common cold.
With so many viruses out there, it’s difficult to know which virus you’ve been infected with. symptoms Fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and general fatigue all overlap.
But what are the main differences?
Difficulty breathing is rare with a cold or flu, but it can often be a symptom of COVID-19. Loss of taste or smell can be a symptom of COVID-19, but it is a very rare symptom of influenza, colds, and respiratory syncytial virus.
- Other symptoms of the flu include: Runny or stuffy nose.
- Other symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include: snot.
- Other symptoms of RSV include: Decreased appetite, wheezing.
Will I get sick if it’s cold?
While cold weather doesn’t make people sick, Brewer says colder temperatures create an environment in which these different viruses can survive and spread.
Influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and the viruses that cause the common cold all have a better survival rate at lower temperatures, Brewer explained. But the “single most important reason” that many of us get these illnesses during the winter is “just because we spend more time indoors,” Brewer explained.
These viruses tend to spread before people show symptoms, and in cold, dry regions where many people are in close proximity, they can easily pass from one person to the next.
Do I need to get tested if I think I’m sick?
All of these viruses have similar symptoms, so you need to know which virus you’re actually dealing with?
While many people who are healthy enough to stay home may not need to know whether they have the coronavirus, the flu, or just a common cold, testing can still provide valuable information. Brewer said.
“Although it may not be important for you to know, it may be helpful to let your grandmother know if you were with her in the days before she became ill,” Brewer says. “Just letting your family and people around you know about it can be helpful information.”
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He said overall immunity is better than in previous years because many people have been vaccinated or have already had COVID-19.
“They may still get infected, they may still get sick, but they won’t be hospitalized or die like they would if they hadn’t been vaccinated, for example,” he said.
COVID-19 remains a concern for high-risk groups
For the average healthy person, the novel coronavirus infection is temporary and almost feels like the flu, but it is more common in people who are elderly, have underlying health conditions, or have a weakened immune system. For people living in the United States, COVID-19 can have a serious impact on their health.
“Over the past three years, there have been 1.1 million deaths from SARS-CoV-2, which is almost 10 times the number of deaths expected from influenza during this period,” Brewer said. “So what these viruses are similar in is that they’re both very well adapted to being transmitted from person to person, so they’re not going to go away, but at least they’re currently circulating. SARS-CoV-2 remains a more serious virus for some people when compared to influenza, which has been around for some time.
Brewer advises people to call a health care professional to determine if they need to be seen if they have symptoms of shortness of breath, inability to breathe, confusion, or if they have underlying lung or heart conditions. Masu.
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“Please stay up-to-date on vaccinations.”
There are several things you can do to stay healthy this season. The good news, Brewer said, is that many of the measures you take to protect yourself from one virus also apply to others.
Washing your hands, social distancing, and wearing a mask prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) as well as the virus that causes influenza, colds, and respiratory syncytial virus. It is also helpful.
“The most important things are to stay home when you’re sick and keep your vaccinations up to date,” Brewer said.
He advises that now is the time to get a flu shot. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get the influenza vaccine annually. Brewer added that there are also egg-free vaccines available for people who may have allergies.
The sooner the better, he said, adding that it could take seven to 14 days for protection to take effect.
“Basically, once we get into October, we should be thinking about getting vaccinated,” Brewer said.
People who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 booster shot should also stay up to date on the latest vaccination recommendations. Brewer said it’s fine to get both at the same time. In fact, he did just that, taking one of his jabs with his right arm and one of his with his left.
For RSV, the CDC recommends viral vaccination only for women over age 60, pregnant women in their third trimester, and infants.
“The important thing is to remember that these viruses will be with us all winter, and the number of cases will probably increase as it gets colder. So even if that happens, Don’t be surprised,” Brewer said.
