It’s that time of year again - winter often means getting sick is inevitable. It all starts with a sore throat, a sudden sneeze, or a hint of fatigue. But with a few different respiratory viruses circulating, it can be tough to pinpoint exactly what’s ailing you. Is it just a common cold, the flu, the still-present COVID-19, or perhaps RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)? In general, you can start to tell these illnesses apart by asking yourself a few key questions at the onset of symptoms:
- Is it coming on slowly, mostly in my head and nose? That’s likely a cold.
- Did it hit me like a truck with fever and total-body aches? Think flu.
- Could it be anything, from a sniffle to severe fatigue, with a sore throat? Test for COVID.
- Is it a young child with a worsening cough or labored, wheezy breathing? Suspect RSV.
However, these illnesses may have similar initial symptoms, but each does require different treatments and the right drugs to manage effectively. So, let’s take a closer look at how to tell the difference between cold, flu, COVID, and RSV, focusing on their unique symptoms, home care strategies, and prevention measures.
Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID vs. RSV Symptom Chart
Cold, flu, COVID, and RSV share a lot of similar symptoms, though they are actually different illnesses. To get a quick overview, here’s a side-by-side comparison chart.
|
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
COVID |
RSV |
|
Onset |
Gradual (1-3 days) |
Very Sudden (3-6 hours) |
Variable (2-14 days) |
Gradual (4-6 days) |
|
Fever |
Rare, mild |
Very common, often high (100°F or higher) |
Common, can be mild to high |
Can occur, especially in children |
|
Cough |
Mild to moderate, often dry |
Common, can be severe and dry |
Common, often dry |
Common, can be severe, often with mucus |
|
Muscle Aches |
Mild |
Very common, often severe |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Fatigue/Weakness |
Mild |
Very common, can be extreme |
Very common, can be severe |
Can be significant, especially in infants |
|
Sneezing |
Common |
Rare |
Rare |
Sometimes |
|
Runny/Stuffy Nose |
Very common |
Sometimes |
Common |
Very common |
|
Sore Throat |
Common |
Sometimes |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Headache |
Rare |
Common, can be severe |
Common |
Uncommon |
|
Shortness of Breath |
Rare |
Rare |
Common |
A key sign in severer cases |
|
Loss of Taste/Smell |
Rare |
Rare |
Can occur, sometimes a key indicator |
Rare |
|
Unique Hallmarks |
Stuffy nose, sneezing |
Sudden “hit by a truck” feeling |
Loss of taste or smell, or both |
Wheezing, labored breathing in infants |
How to Tell the Difference Between Each Illness?
While the chart above gives you a solid overview, let's dive a bit deeper into what you might experience with each of them.
Cold Symptoms
A cold usually sneaks up on you, and its symptoms are relatively mild. You might start with a tickle in your throat, which is soon followed by a stuffy or runny nose, and then a mild cough. Adults rarely experience fevers with cold, and aches and fatigue are usually quite mild. You might also feel under the weather, but generally, you can still get through your day, albeit with a tissue box in hand.
RELATED: Is Air Conditioning Bad for Your Health?
Flu Symptoms
Unlike the common cold, the flu doesn’t tiptoe in, but strongly kicks the door down. It brings a wave of systemic symptoms that can leave you feeling completely drained. You might suddenly experience body aches, significant fatigue, chills, and a high fever, almost as if you’ve been working out relentlessly. The respiratory symptoms, like a dry cough, seem almost an afterthought compared to how terrible your body feels.
COVID Symptoms
COVID-19 can mimic the symptoms of the common cold and flu, but what really sets it apart is its unpredictable severity. It may seem like a mild cold for one person and lead to significant breathing difficulties for another. There have even been cases where people reported gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. According to Nebraska Medicine, the original omicron variant is gone now, and the current subvariants that are circulating include XFV, NW.1, and XFZ.
An important clue is that if you have cold or flu symptoms accompanied by a loss of taste or smell, chances are you’re dealing with the COVID. However, the most reliable way to diagnose it remains through testing.
RSV Symptoms
For most healthy adults and older children, RSV feels much like a common cold. You'll likely experience a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and sometimes a mild fever.
The real concern with RSV is for very young infants and older adults, where it can become more serious. In these vulnerable groups, RSV can cause wheezing, difficulty breathing, and a persistent, sometimes severe cough. They may also become irritable, lethargic, and refuse feeds. This is when RSV requires immediate medical attention.
What Causes Cold, Flu, COVID, and RSV?
Since these are all different illnesses, they are naturally caused by different viruses. Specifically:
The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, but symptoms are usually mild and limited to the upper respiratory tract.
Flu is caused by influenza A or B viruses, which can attack both the upper and lower respiratory tracts simultaneously, so its symptoms are more sudden and severe.
COVID is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is highly contagious. However, its clinical manifestations vary greatly. Some people may have no symptoms, while others may experience severe illness.
RSV, is a very common seasonal respiratory virus, and almost all children are infected before the age of two. For most adults, symptoms are mild, but it can be severe for infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
RELATED: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winter?
How to Manage Cold, Flu, COVID, and RSV at Home?
Here are some home care tips you can follow to help you manage symptoms effectively, no matter whether you’re dealing with a cold, flu, COVID, or RSV.
- Rest. Really Rest. This isn’t just lounging on the couch. Your body needs deep rest to fight the virus, regardless of what kind it is.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink more water, tea, broths, and electrolyte drinks than you think you need to help thin mucus and prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever.
- Soothe Your Throat. Gargle with warm salt water, sip on warm liquids with honey, or use throat lozenges.
- Manage Nasal Congestion. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays can help clear a stuffy nose, and a humidifier can also ease discomfort in both your nose and throat.
- Pain and Fever Relief. OTC medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and aches. Always use them as directed, not as a way to power through your day. They manage symptoms but won't fight the virus itself.
- Isolate if Possible. Especially in the first few contagious days, try to keep your distance from household members. This is crucial for COVID-19 and the flu to protect others.
When to See A Doctor?
These illnesses are common, and most people can recover at home using the treatments mentioned above, but trust your instincts. If something feels seriously wrong, or if you or someone you are caring for is in a high-risk group - specifically, very young, elderly, immunocompromised, or has chronic lung and heart conditions - and experiences these symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to a doctor immediately.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that is new or worsening.
- A fever that won’t break after several days, or is consistently very high.
- Persistent chest pain or pressure.
- Confusion, inability to stay awake, or severe lethargy.
- Dehydration like dark urine, dizziness, not urinating for 8+ hours.
- Develop a secondary infection like sinusitis or an ear infection.
- Any wheezing, grunting, pauses in breathing, nostril flaring, or refusal to eat or drink in infants.
How to Prevent Cold, Flu, COVID, and RSV?
By following these tips and taking actions, you can better protect yourself and others from germs and stop their spread as much as possible, though it’s impossible to eliminate and avoid them entirely.
- Vaccination is the best way to prevent seasonal flu and COVID-19. Consult your doctor to see if the RSV vaccine is right for you.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or you can sing the happy birthday song twice while you scrub. If you don’t have soap and water in hand, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick. Or if you are sick, stay home.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow, not your hand.
- Mask up in crowded indoor spaces, especially during peak respiratory virus season, which can offer an additional layer of protection.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially if your hands are dirty.
- Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, remotes, phones, and keyboards.
- Boost your overall health by prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and staying hydrated.
- Improve indoor air quality by using an air quality monitor and an air purifier with HEPA filter.
The Takeaway
While cold, flu, COVID, and RSV symptoms overlap, paying attention to how it started, what symptom is leading the charge, and who is affected provides crucial clues. Remember to listen to your body, and don't hesitate to seek professional medical advice when needed. By understanding these differences and adopting layered prevention habits, you can face any respiratory season with greater confidence and clarity.
