Sniffling, coughing, fever – oh my! With the ongoing pandemic and flu season in full swing, it’s no wonder that every tickle in our throat sends us into a frenzy. But before you hit the panic button and rush to book a Covid test or seek medical attention, take a deep breath and read on. In this guide, we’ll help you identify the symptoms of some of the most common illnesses: flu, Covid-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and strep throat. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently navigate your way through any sickness that comes your way. So grab yourself some tea (or something stronger) and let’s dive in!
What is Flu?
Flu is a serious respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Symptoms include fever, a sore throat, coughing, and trouble breathing. It can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and people with health conditions like asthma or heart disease. If you think you may have the flu, talk to your doctor. There are many different types of flu available, so it’s important to find out which one you have.
What is Covid?
Covid is a respiratory illness caused by the Covid virus, which is a member of the RSV family. Symptoms include fever, chest and throat pain, shortness of breath, coughing and difficulty breathing. The virus spreads through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. There is no specific treatment for Covid, but it can be managed with antibiotics if necessary. If you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, you should get vaccinated against RSV to reduce your chances of getting Covid.
What is RSV?
RSV is a respiratory virus that is highly contagious and can cause severe illness in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Symptoms of RSV include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If left untreated, RSV can lead to pneumonia.
To prevent RSV infection, it is important to get vaccinated against the virus. If you are experiencing symptoms of RSV (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), it is important to see your doctor immediately. Your doctor may also recommend antibiotics if you are diagnosed with RSV.
What is a Streptococcus?
Streptococcus is a genus of bacteria that includes more than 60 different strains. These bacteria are typically spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus. The most common strep strain is Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause severe respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Other strep species can also cause infections, including tonsillitis (a type of throat infection), meningitis (a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord) and Scarlet fever (an acute infectious disease caused by S. pyogenes).
How to Tell if You Have a Flu Virus Infection
If you have a fever and shivering, it is likely that you have the flu. If your symptoms persist for more than a day or two, see a doctor. There are many different types of viruses that can cause the flu, so it can be hard to tell which virus you have. However, some of the common symptoms of flu include fever, headache, muscle aches and sore throat. If you have any of these symptoms and also experience nausea or vomiting, it is likely that you have the Covid virus infection. RSV infections can cause cold-like symptoms such as fever, body aches and a dry mouth. Strep infections can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting.
How to Treat a Flu Virus Infection
If you think you may have the flu, here are some tips on how to identify and treat the illness.
The most important thing is to get vaccinated against the flu if you don’t already have it. The best time to get a vaccination is before the flu season starts, usually in October. If you do get sick with the flu, here are a few things to remember:
Try to stay hydrated – fluids help fight fatigue and keep your body functioning well. Drink plenty of warm liquids, not just coffee or tea.
Get rest – the virus can cause severe fatigue and headaches, so take some time off work or school if you can. Get enough sleep each night so that your body has time to fight the infection properly.
Avoid touching your eyes – flu viruses can be spread through contact with eyes or mucus membranes such as those in the nose and throat. Wipe your eyes with a clean cloth if they become wet, and avoid touching them unless you are wearing eye protection.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing – this will help prevent droplets from containing the virus from spreading around. Wash your hands often – even after using the bathroom – to stop the spread of germs.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is feeling ill, don’t panic! Knowing the symptoms of common illnesses can help get you the assistance you need and put your mind at ease. In this guide, we’ve outlined the most common flu, Covid, RSV and strep infections and provided tips on how to identify them. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help!
