COVID-19, the flu, and RSV share similar symptoms but have different causes. It can be hard to tell what virus you have, but testing can help.
Kaitlin Sullivan is a health and science journalist based in Colorado. She's been part of multiple award-winning investigations into health topics including the international medical device industry and maternal mortality in New York City.Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in consumer-facing health and wellness content.
Most respiratory illnesses get better on their own, and treatment typically includes drinking fluids and getting plenty of rest. Antiviral drugs are available for high-risk populations., sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose are all symptoms that can show up if you have COVID, the flu, or RSV. Flu symptoms also tend to come on quickly and all at once. Many people with the flu say it feels like they've been "hit by a truck" when symptoms appear.However, trying to diagnose yourself based on symptoms and symptom onset alone isn't foolproof. There's not a precise way to be able to say with any certainty what illness you have without testing.The only true way to know what virus you can attribute your symptoms to is to take a test.
Similar to COVID, there are two types of flu tests. A rapid influenza antigen test can provide results quickly, but it's not always accurate. A PCR test is also available at a healthcare provider's office. This test may take longer to give results, but it's more accurate than a rapid test.produces illness in both children and adults, but it has largely affected children and can be particularly dangerous for them.
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