First Aid
Kalinda Primary School
Where can we get tests from?
Chemists will be able to recommend which test is the most beneficial for you, and how to treat any symptoms you and your family have.
We also recommend Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24 orMaroondah Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (MMUCC), their details are herehttps://www.m3health.com.au/maroondah-mucc/
COVID-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are together driving a wave of respiratory illnesses.
But all three have very similar symptoms that overlap.
Wait, what's RSV again?
It stands for respiratory syncytial virus, which causes respiratory infections.
RSV is one of about 200 viruses that can cause a cold — which is very common. Most cases of illness caused by RSV are mild. But it can lead to serious illness for young children, the elderly and people with immunosuppressive conditions.
Contracting the virus can lead to chest infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
It can also cause ear infections and the coughing associated with the illness can worsen asthma symptoms.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Usually, the first symptoms are:
Fever
Runny nose
Coughing
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Decreased appetite
Typically, most cases go away after about two weeks.
So what's the difference between COVID, RSV and the flu?
All three have very similar symptoms that overlap.
COVID, influenza and RSV are all respiratory diseases.
They have differences in the characteristics of the illnesses they cause, how they are transmitted and their impact.
- COVID poses the biggest risk to those who are older
- RSV poses the biggest threat to young children
- Influenza poses the biggest threat to young children, older adults and pregnant women.
What are the differences in symptoms?
These are the symptoms for each.
| Signs and symptoms | COVID-19 | RSV | Flu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
| Cough | Common | Common | Common |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Shortness of breath | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Fatigue | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Loss of taste and/or smell | Sometimes | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Body aches/pain | Sometimes | Rarely | Common |
| Headache | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Stuffy/runny nose | Common | Common | Sometimes |
| Diarrhoea | Rarely | Rarely | Sometimes (in children) |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes | No |
| Vomiting | Sometimes | Rarely | Rare in adults/common in children |
Who is at risk?
- People most at risk of severe illness with respiratory conditions include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, children under the age of 5 years old, elderly people, pregnant women, those who are immunocompromised, and those with certain medical conditions including diabetes, cardiac disease and chronic respiratory conditions.
- While some people may be at a higher risk of severe illness, it is possible for anyone to be infected and become unwell.
Source: healthdirect/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention