COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Respiratory virus: How to know what your respiratory symptoms mean?

In early 2020, COVID-19 took us all by surprise. It left us devastated, guessing about what lies ahead and also subjected us to long term health ailments. However, with new emerging variants and immunity obtained from an infection and vaccination, we have overcome the more serious phase of the pandemic. The SARs-CoV-2 virus now has taken a milder turn, causing some of the most common respiratory symptoms including sore throat, runny nose, mild fever and fatigue. This has left many confused as to whether they've contracted COVID or are suffering from the flu or RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).

So, how to know what your symptoms mean?

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COVID-19 or the novel coronavirus is a highly infectious disease caused by the virus named SARS-CoV-2.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring any special treatment. However, those who are most vulnerable may become seriously ill and require medical attention.

Flu, on the other hand, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

Both COVID and the flu are contagious and can cause symptoms that are similar to each other. However, symptoms of influenza may show up within the first two days of contracting the virus, whereas the time from exposure to symptom onset is thought to be two to 14 days.

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Early on in the pandemic, it was easier to tell apart COVID from the flu, given that COVID symptoms were more lethal. However, with the emergence of the Omicron variant, scientists believe COVID is now less risky than flu.

According to Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, most people today have enough immunity from vaccination, infection or both to protect them against getting seriously ill from COVID. This she says is particularly because of the omicron variant, which doesn't appear to make people as sick as earlier strains.

However, many argue that both these respiratory illnesses are unpredictable and should not be taken lightly, especially with winter approaching.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It is a highly contagious virus that can infect children and adults.

Unlike COVID and flu, sore throat is not the top symptom of RSV. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, high fever, and wheezing are some of the most common symptoms associated with the illness. Wheezing is one symptom that differentiates RSV from other respiratory infections. If untreated, wheezing can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The incubation period i.e. the time between catching the virus and symptoms onset, is usuall different for all three respiratory infections.

For COVID-19, the incubation period can range from 2-14 days.

For people with flu, the first three to four days after symptoms onset is the most dangerous. They're also the most contagious during this period.

The average incubation period for RSV is 5 days, with a range of 2 to 8 days.

If it is still difficult for you to tell the difference between COVID, flu and RSV, getting yourself tested is the best way to find out.

You can get an RT PCR test or a rapid antigen test, depending on how soon you want the results. Meanwhile, you must stay isolated and must maintain your distance with others, especially those who fall in the high risk category of people.

Winter is almost at our doorstep and with it follows the risk of several respiratory and viral illnesses.

Given that more infections are contagious and transmissible, it is best to stay vigilant and take all precautionary measures. This includes wearing masks, maintaining social distance, following proper hand hygiene and getting vaccinated.