Even before COVID-19 became part of our vocabulary, fall has marked the start of respiratory season as viruses circulate when people spend more time indoors. This year, we are already seeing an uptick in local activity of respiratory illness.
Respiratory infections such as colds, the flu (influenza), COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are caused by viruses spread through droplets: When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, droplets containing the viruses are released into the air. The viruses also get onto your hands or the tissue when you blow your nose.
They are easily spread from person to person when a lot of people touch the same objects, like doorknobs or faucets, and when people come into direct contact with each other, for instance by shaking hands or hugging.
Some respiratory illnesses may share some symptoms, but some can make you more sick than others:
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Cold symptoms tend to be milder than flu symptoms, so you may still be able to carry on with your normal activities. Colds tend to come on slowly and last for a few days to about one week.
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Flu symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, extreme tiredness (fatigue), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Symptoms tend to come on quickly and can last a few weeks. (The so-called “stomach flu,” when adults have vomiting or diarrhea for one or two days, is probably a gastrointestinal infection rather than influenza.)
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COVID symptoms continue to vary from very mild to serious enough to require hospitalization, especially among the elderly and people with underlying illnesses. This is true even of the newest variants.
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RSV is a very common illness that is usually mild but can be threatening for babies and older adults. Symptoms in serious cases include wheezing and trouble breathing. ...
What steps can be taken to prevent respiratory illnesses?
What new vaccines are available this fall?
