Covid, Flu, RSV and the Common Cold: What are They, and What Can You Do?
Winter is here bringing with it colder weather, shorter days and what feels like an army of viruses to battle. Covid-19 is not the only illness to ward off this year. The common cold, flu and RSV are also prevalent, leaving those experiencing symptoms to question: what do I have and what should I do? This article presents the key characteristics of the four seasonal viruses currently in circulation to help you make sense of your symptoms, identify your illness and take the steps needed to recover.
Coronavirus Disease – Covid 19
This disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was first discovered in 2019 and changed the world as we know it, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States alone. It is a contagious disease characterized by its attack on the lungs, upper respiratory tract and extensive complications involving other organ systems. Like many respiratory viruses, the disease spreads through air droplets from an infected person’s mouth or nose. Some— like older adults and those with certain underlying medical conditions—are at an increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
Most common symptoms: Fever, chills, dry cough, shortness of breath/respiratory difficulty, fatigue
Distinctive characteristic: Can be diagnosed by rapid, at-home tests
Common Cold 
The common cold is experienced by the average adult two to three times a year, according to the CDC. Caused by rhinoviruses, infections spread through the air and through close personal contact. Although most people’s experience with a cold is mild, those with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions can develop more serious illnesses such as pneumonia.
Most common symptoms: Runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat
Distinctive characteristic: Most people with colds do not have a fever.
Influenza – Flu
The flu, caused by influenza viruses, is a contagious respiratory illness spread by tiny droplets when people cough, sneeze or talk, much like Covid-19 and the common cold. Each year, many receive flu vaccines, but, despite this, approximately eight percent of the U.S. population find themselves battling the virus each flu season. Infections, which are most common in children, can be mild to severe and can lead to complications such as bacterial pneumonia and other infections. Preliminary indications are that this will be a particularly difficult flu season. Those with the flu are most contagious during the first three to four days of their illness.
Most common symptoms: Cough, fever or chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of appetite
Distinctive characteristic: Symptom onset for the flu is abrupt, unlike the common cold or Covid-19, which usually have a more gradual onset.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection – RSV
RSV often causes mild, cold-like symptoms; however, the U.S. is currently seeing more severe infections along with an increase in RSV emergency room visits. Although predominantly a childhood illness, children are not the only group at high risk for severe RSV infection. Older adults, especially those 65 years and older, adults with weakened immune systems and adults with chronic heart or lung diseases, are also at an elevated risk for a severe RSV infection, sometimes leading to hospitalization and worsening of chronic conditions.
Most common symptoms: Runny nose, decrease in appetite, cough, sneezing, fever, wheezing
Distinctive characteristic: Infants are most severely affected by RSV.
What to do
Despite the continued presence of the coronavirus and other viruses this season, many state and local regulations regarding wearing a mask, testing and quarantine have lifted. Still, when ill with a virus, protecting yourself and others can go a long way. The CDC recommends wearing a mask when experiencing symptoms, going into quarantine for five days after an onset of Covid-19 and taking a Covid-19 test to potentially diagnose your illness from home. At-home Covid-19 tests are covered by the Health Plan with no cost-sharing. For more details, visit www.dgaplans.org/blog-post/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-and-distribution.
