Is it Covid, RSV or the Flu?
What you need to know about these common respiratory viruses
Jan 27, 2025
Jan 27, 2025
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Every year, respiratory viruses like flu, Covid and RSV cause millions of people to get sick and thousands of people to die.
You can lower your risk by getting vaccinated.
Did you know?
People over 65 and those who are immunocompromised should get a 2nd Covid vaccine 6 months after their first dose.
Who is at risk for respiratory infections?
Everyone is at risk for respiratory infections, but some people are at higher risk for severe disease or hospitalization.
You are considered high risk for a severe case of flu or Covid if you:
Are 65 years or older
Are pregnant
Have a weakened immune system
Have certain health conditions, such as:
Asthma
You are considered high risk for a severe case of RSV if you:
Are 75 years or older
Are 60–74 years old and living in a long-term care facility
Have certain health conditions, such as:
Heart, lung & kidney disease
Obesity
Asthma
How can you tell the difference between these infections?
The flu, Covid and RSV all cause similar symptoms that can range from mild to deadly.
The common symptoms of these 3 viruses include:
Fever
Cough
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Other symptoms are more common in certain viruses than others.
| Flu | Covid | RSV |
Muscle pain/body aches | Often | Sometimes | Rarely |
Difficulty breathing | Rarely | Often | Sometimes |
Fatigue or weakness | Often | Often | Rarely |
Fever | Often (can be h igh, up to 103 or 104) | Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100) | Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100) |
Loss of taste or smell | Rarely | Sometimes | Rarely |
Sore throat | Sometimes | Often | Rarely |
Wheezing | Rarely | Rarely | Often |
Chills | Often | Often | Rarely |
Sneezing | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Diarrhea/vomiting | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rarely |
One way to help you figure out which virus you have is how quickly symptoms come on.
Flu comes on quickly and is felt all over the body
Covid and RSV often start slowly with sniffles, followed in the next day or two by cough and headac he
The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Vaccines to protect you from flu, Covid and RSV
Vaccines can help keep symptoms mild and help prevent severe disease and hospitalization.
Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for:
Everyone 6 months and older
It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are 65 and older or are at high risk for severe disease.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults:
Age 75 and older
Ages 60 or older in nursing homes or with certain health conditions
32 – 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season
This educational resource was created with support from Novavax, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.
From Your Site Articles
- Flu/Colds Hub - HealthyWomen ›
- RSV: It Can Happen to You ›
- FAQs About RSV in Older Adults and Infants ›
- 8 Ways to Stay Healthy This Flu Season ›
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C. diff is the name of a common, easily transmittable infection caused by the bacterium Clostridioides difficile. The infection causes your colon (bowel) wall to become inflamed, resulting in severe, watery diarrhea. Left untreated, it can cause a serious complication called toxic megacolon.
C. diff affects about 250,000 people in the United States every year. Some people get it only once in their lifetime, but if you have a C. diff infection, there is up to a 1 in 4 chance you might relapse (the same infection returns) or get it again within eight weeks. People at the highest risk for a C. diff infection are those who take or have recently taken antibiotics, especially if they have a weak immune system.
The bacteria live in feces (poop), and in soil and water. They spread easily and can live for a long time on hard and soft surfaces, like linens and clothing. If someone who has C. diff on their hands touches a door handle and you touch it after, the bacteria transfer to your hand. They then can enter your gastrointestinal system if you touch your mouth or handle food before washing your hands.
Protect yourself and others from getting a C. diff infection in a healthcare setting
If you are a patient in a hospital, skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center, you are at higher risk of getting a C. diff infection — not just because you likely have a weak immune system from the condition that put you in the facility but also because of the number of people you may encounter while you’re there.
Here are some steps you can take to lower the risk of getting C. diff in a healthcare facility:
- Make sure all healthcare workers and visitors wash their hands before they touch you and your things. If you don’t see them wash their hands, ask them to do so.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water every time you use the bathroom. If you use a bedside commode, ask to be transported to a sink to wash your hands or use a waterless hand sanitizer.
- Wash your hands before eating or drinking. If you can’t get to a sink, ask the staff or a friend to supply you with a waterless hand sanitizer to use while you are in bed or sitting in your chair.
- Allow cleaning staff access to your environment. Clear everything off the bedside table or nightstand, and remove clothing or linens from the bedside rails so they can be wiped down.
Patients with a diagnosed C. diff infection should not share a room with someone who does not have the infection. If you do share a room and your roommate contracts C. diff, ask to be moved.
Stop the spread of C. diff at home
C. diff doesn’t just affect people in healthcare facilities. It can happen at home, too.
Here are steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading C. diff at home:
- If your home has a second bathroom, reserve one for the person with the C. diff infection to limit exposure to others.
- If your home has only one bathroom, make sure the toilet seat, flusher, faucets, light switches and doorknob are cleaned with a bleach-based cleaner after each use.
- If the infected person is immobile, keep waterless hand sanitizer within reach.
- Clean common home surfaces (door knobs, light switches, fridge handles, etc.).
- Wash clothing (especially underwear), towels and linens separately and in the hottest water possible.
- Wear disposable gloves while handling clothing and linens, especially if the person is incontinent (loses control of their bowels). Wash your hands after removing the gloves.
- Shower with soap to remove C. diff that may be on the skin.
This educational resource was created with support from Seres Therapeutics and Nestle Health Science.