First Aid News

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
  • Inflluenza poses the biggest threat to young childrenolder adults and pregnant women. 

What are the differences in symptoms?

These are the symptoms for each.

Signs and symptomsCOVID-19RSVFlu
    
FeverSometimesSometimesCommon
CoughCommonCommonCommon
Sore throatCommonSometimesSometimes
Shortness of breathSometimesSometimesRarely
FatigueCommonSometimesCommon
Loss of taste and/or smellSometimesRarelySometimes
Body aches/painSometimesRarelyCommon
HeadacheCommonSometimesCommon
Stuffy/runny noseCommonCommonSometimes
DiarrhoeaRarelyRarelySometimes (in children)
SneezingCommonSometimesNo
Vomiting SometimesRarelyRare in adults/common in children

Source: healthdirect/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention