RSV VS. Flu VS. COVID-19

What Are the Symptoms of RSV, Flu, and COVID-19?

To find out which illness you have, use this information or schedule an appointment with our Waxahachie doctors.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms and Causes

RSV symptoms are similar to a cold, such as congestion, fever, cough, and sore throat. Symptoms of RSV in newborns are irritability, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. RSV sometimes leads to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is caused by a virus spread through infected droplets via the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Flu Symptoms and Causes

Flu symptoms in adults and children include fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, and exhaustion. The flu is spread through infected droplets after sneezing or coughing.

COVID-19 Symptoms and Causes

Because there are different variants of COVID-19, patients experience unusual symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, headache, body pain, taste, loss of smell, and sore throat. With a COVID-19 cough, you will notice a dry cough, while normal coughs may produce mucus.

Because COVID-19 is a virus, it is spread through infected droplets.

RSV Vs. Flu: What is the Difference Between RSV and the Flu?

Pay close attention to your early symptoms. The flu starts with a fever and aches; RSV begins with a fever, coughing, rapid breathing, and wheezing.

What is the Difference Between RSV and COVID-19? (RSV vs. COVID-19)

When children have COVID-19, their symptoms are often mild. If your child has troubling and intense symptoms that appear to be worsening, it may be RSV. COVID-19 symptoms appear as a mild cold in children. RSV causes fatigue, irritability, trouble breathing, appetite loss, and sneezing.

What is the Difference Between the Flu and COVID-19? (Flu vs. COVID-19)

With COVID-19, you may notice symptoms between two and 14 days after being infected. Flu symptoms appear within one to four days.

What is the Difference Between RSV, Flu, and COVID-19? (RSV vs. Flu vs. COVID-19)

One difference between viruses and COVID-19 is the loss of taste or smell.

If you suspect that you have RSV, the flu, or COVID-19, call Altus Emergency Waxahachie.