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By Hygieia and Panacea
OCTOBER
THE SNIFFLES, DECODED
Cold, flu, or RSV? Know what’s behind the cough.
A chilly day, damp hair, or going outside without a hat may leave you feeling cold—but a virus causes a respiratory infection. More than 200 viruses can cause common colds, with rhinoviruses among the most common. Flu and RSV are separate viruses that can also cause cold-like symptoms. (CDC) (CDC)
Three viruses, overlapping symptoms
Colds, flu, and RSV can all bring a cough, congestion, or runny nose. Symptoms alone may not tell you which virus you have; testing may be needed.
Common cold
Often comes on gradually; runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat are common.
FluOften starts suddenly; fever or chills, body aches, headache, and strong fatigue are more common.
RSVOften causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and cough. Wheezing can also occur. Flu can be more severe than a typical cold. RSV is often mild, but it can lead to serious lung illness—especially in infants, some young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions. In very young babies, RSV may show up as irritability, reduced activity, or breathing difficulty. (CDC) Does cold weather—or wet hair—make you sick? Not by itself. You have to be exposed to a virus to get infected. Wet hair or going without a hat doesn’t cause a cold, flu, or RSV. These viruses spread through ways such as coughs and sneezes, close contact, or touching contaminated surfaces and then your face. (CDC) What can you do? Most colds and RSV infections get better on their own, and care often focuses on easing symptoms and drinking enough fluids. Antibiotics don’t treat viral infections. Flu antivirals are available and work best when started early, so people at higher risk should contact a healthcare professional promptly if they think they may have flu. (CDC) In the U.S., RSV immunizations are available to help protect eligible groups—including certain infants and pregnant people, as well as older adults and some adults with risk factors. Ask a healthcare professional which option, if any, applies to you or your family. (CDC) When to get help Seek medical advice if symptoms are worsening, you’re not drinking enough fluids, or you have trouble breathing. For babies, breathing difficulty or unusually low activity deserves prompt attention. (CDC)
FluOften starts suddenly; fever or chills, body aches, headache, and strong fatigue are more common.
RSVOften causes cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, and cough. Wheezing can also occur. Flu can be more severe than a typical cold. RSV is often mild, but it can lead to serious lung illness—especially in infants, some young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions. In very young babies, RSV may show up as irritability, reduced activity, or breathing difficulty. (CDC) Does cold weather—or wet hair—make you sick? Not by itself. You have to be exposed to a virus to get infected. Wet hair or going without a hat doesn’t cause a cold, flu, or RSV. These viruses spread through ways such as coughs and sneezes, close contact, or touching contaminated surfaces and then your face. (CDC) What can you do? Most colds and RSV infections get better on their own, and care often focuses on easing symptoms and drinking enough fluids. Antibiotics don’t treat viral infections. Flu antivirals are available and work best when started early, so people at higher risk should contact a healthcare professional promptly if they think they may have flu. (CDC) In the U.S., RSV immunizations are available to help protect eligible groups—including certain infants and pregnant people, as well as older adults and some adults with risk factors. Ask a healthcare professional which option, if any, applies to you or your family. (CDC) When to get help Seek medical advice if symptoms are worsening, you’re not drinking enough fluids, or you have trouble breathing. For babies, breathing difficulty or unusually low activity deserves prompt attention. (CDC)
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