As winter approaches so do these types of viruses. The key is knowing the difference, how to treat it, and how to prevent the spread. Highlighted below are the different viruses, including symptoms, treatments and prevention methods.
What are the symptoms of flu versus the symptoms of a cold?
The symptoms of flu can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are usually milder than the symptoms of flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems.
Symptoms and Care of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) | CDC
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include
· Runny nose
· Decrease in appetite
· Coughing
· Sneezing
· Fever
· Wheezing
Symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
There are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of RSV.
· Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
· Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils, with others
· Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices
· Fever or chills
· Cough
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Fatigue
· Muscle or body aches
· Headache
· New loss of taste or smell
· Sore throat
· Congestion or runny nose
· Nausea or vomiting
· Diarrhea
Difference Between Flu and COVID-19
Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. Some PCR tests can differentiate between flu and COVID-19 at the same time. If one of these tests is not available, many testing locations provide flu and COVID-19 tests separately. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for both flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms. Please contact the Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit (IHS) to schedule an appointment at: (508) 477-6967
Flu Symptoms & Diagnosis | CDC
· Fever*/feeling feverish or chills
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Muscle or body aches
· Headaches
· Fatigue (tiredness)
· Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
CDC Recommends:
· Take time to get a flu vaccine.
· Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
· Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
What is the difference between a cold and flu?
Influenza (flu) and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. Seasonal coronaviruses should not be confused with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are typically more intense and begin more abruptly. Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people who have flu. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Flu can have serious associated complications.
How can you tell the difference between a cold and flu?
Because colds and flu share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Special tests can tell if a person is sick with flu.
In any case, if someone is sick, then they need to follow their doctor’s orders. Vaccinations for COVID-19 and flu are strongly recommended. Cleaning, disinfecting, and practicing good hand hygiene are key.
For additional information and guidance, please feel free to contact the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department at: (508) 477-0208 Ext 103
