Is it Covid, RSV or the Flu?

Every year, respiratory viruses like flu, Covid and RSV cause millions of people to get sick and thousands of people to die. 

You can lower your risk by getting vaccinated. 

Did you know? 

People over 65 and those who are immunocompromised should get a 2nd Covid vaccine 6 months after their first dose.

   

Who is at risk for respiratory infections?

Everyone is at risk for respiratory infections, but some people are at higher risk for severe disease or hospitalization.

You are considered high risk for a severe case of flu or Covid if you:

Are 65 years or older

Are pregnant

Have a weakened immune system 

Have certain health conditions, such as:

Heart disease

Obesity

Asthma

You are considered high risk for a severe case of RSV if you:

Are 75 years or older

Are 60–74 years old and living in a long-term care facility

Have certain health conditions, such as: 

Heart, lung & kidney disease

Obesity

Diabetes

Asthma

How can you tell the difference between these infections?

The flu, Covid and RSV all cause similar symptoms that can range from mild to deadly. 

The common symptoms of these 3 viruses include:

Fever

Cough

Headache

Runny or stuffy nose

 

Other symptoms are more common in certain viruses than others.

 

Flu

Covid

RSV

Muscle pain/body aches

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Difficulty breathing

Rarely

Often

Sometimes

Fatigue or weakness

Often

Often

Rarely

Fever

Often (can be h igh, up to 103 or 104)

Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100)

Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100)

Loss of taste or smell

Rarely

Sometimes

Rarely

Sore throat

Sometimes

Often

Rarely

Wheezing

Rarely

Rarely

Often

Chills

Often

Often

Rarely

Sneezing

Sometimes

Sometimes

Sometimes

Diarrhea/vomiting

Sometimes

Sometimes

Rarely

 

One way to help you figure out which virus you have is how quickly symptoms come on.

Flu comes on quickly and is felt all over the body

Covid and RSV often start slowly with sniffles, followed in the next day or two by cough and headac he

The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

 

Vaccines to protect you from flu, Covid and RSV

Vaccines can help keep symptoms mild and help prevent severe disease and hospitalization.

Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for:

Everyone 6 months and older

It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are 65 and older or are at high risk for severe disease.

The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults:

Age 75 and older

Ages 60 or older in nursing homes or with certain health conditions

32 – 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season

 

This educational resource was created with support from Novavax, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.