Respiratory Infections: Difference Between Cold, Flu, COVID, and RSV
Get ahead of the respiratory infections to help keep your family safe and well. We are in the midst of autumn, and winter is just around the corner, which signals the start of the dreaded flu season. But influenza is not the only virus you need to worry about; the common cold, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 will make a strong comeback in the coming months.
All viral respiratory infections share symptoms, so the challenge is differentiating them and knowing when to seek medical help.
At Angleton ER, the finest emergency room in Angleton, Texas, we’re happy to provide you with the emergency care that you need to help prevent an escalation and complication of respiratory infections Respiratory Infections: Difference Between Cold, Flu, COVID, and RSV.
What Are Respiratory Infections?
Respiratory tract infections can affect any part of your respiratory system, including your nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and airways.
Different viruses cause most respiratory infections but can also result from exposure to bacteria or fungi.
Respiratory Infections, Causes, Symptoms, and When to Go to The ER
Common Cold
The most common virus that causes the common cold is the rhinovirus. Although having a cold is an inconvenience, symptoms are usually mild and subside on their own within a week.
Cold Symptoms
- A general feeling of being unwell
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Slight fever
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Mild muscle or body aches
- Headache
When to Go to the ER
In most cases, you can treat a cold at home with over-the-counter medication. However, please seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Your symptoms last more than ten days and are not getting better
- You develop severe symptoms
- Your infant has a fever, or they are lethargic
The Flu
Get to Know About the Flu
The influenza virus is why you came down with the flu. Different virus strains arise yearly, which is why you should get a yearly flu vaccine.
Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms can closely resemble a cold but tend to develop quicker and are generally more severe.
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Moderate to severe muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue, feeling tired for no reason
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever, chills
- Vomiting and diarrhea (especially in children)
Possible Complications from The Flu
Your symptoms should improve or disappear within one to two weeks. However, it’s not uncommon to develop complications from the flu, which, if left untreated, could become life-threatening.
Common complications include:
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Asthma flare-ups
- Secondary infections
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome – a life-threatening condition
- Brain or heart muscle inflammation
- Multi-organ failure
When to Go to the ER
Most healthy individuals should be able to fight off the flu at home. However, patients with underlying health issues, the elderly, and small children may need emergency care if their symptoms worsen or if they develop complications.
Warning Signs in Children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Become lethargic or unresponsive
- Being unusually irritable
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Unable to eat
- Have no tears when crying
- Develop a fever with a rash
Warning Signs in Adults
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest area or abdomen
- Sudden unexplained confusion
- Sudden dizziness
- Have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and a worse cough
- Severe or persistent vomiting
COVID-19
Get to Know About COVID-19
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is responsible for the illness known as COVID-19.
This condition is highly contagious and has a higher mortality rate, making it a significant concern.
COVID-19 Symptoms
There are many variants of the SARS-CoV2 virus, and each causes specific symptoms; however, the most common symptoms include the following:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Congestion or runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever or chills
- Severe fatigue
- Moderate to severe muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
When to Go to the ER
- Trouble breathing
- Bluish coloring on the lips or face
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Get to Know About RSV
The respiratory syncytial virus is the highly contagious virus that causes the illness that bares the same name.
Nearly 90% of children are infected with the RSV virus before they turn two years old. For most healthy adults and older children, RSV is a mild illness that produces similar symptoms to the common cold.
However, RSV can cause serious and even life-threatening lower respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants, seniors, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Symptoms of RSV
- Phlegmy cough – with green, yellow, or gray mucus
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing or noticeable pauses between breaths
- Fever
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration (little or no urine, no tears, cool, dry skin)
When to Go to the ER
Please call 911 or seek emergency medical attention immediately should your child show any of the following signs:
- Difficulty breathing or very fast breathing
- Blueish coloring in their lips, face, or fingernails
- Extreme drowsiness, lethargy, or doesn’t interact in a usual way
We Are Here to Help
If you are experiencing persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, please don’t hesitate to come to our ER for an evaluation and treatment.
Our expert doctors and caring staff are here 24/7 to provide a helping hand with all your medical emergency needs.
At Angleton ER, we believe everyone should have access to quality medical emergency care near them in a comfortable and convenient location that offers advanced technology and skilled medical professionals.
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