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If there’s one set of questions that we get asked over and over again at our Fountain Hills medical clinic, it’s, “How do I know if I have _________  (name your respiratory illness)?” We’ve found that people are very often confused about the identifying markers of three common respiratory illnesses caused by viruses; COVID, RSV, and influenza. Because of this, we decided to provide an easy-to-decipher list of what you need to know to identify the cause of your symptoms. Unfortunately, while our checklists are helpful, the only true way to determine whether you have a virus, and which one you have, is to get a test from a medical professional. In the meantime, however, the below symptom lists will help you begin to figure your illness out. If you experience these symptoms it’s important to see a medical professional for further evaluation and treatment.

Is it RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause mild to severe illness, and affects young children and older adults more severely. RSV is most common in the winter months. There is no current vaccine to prevent RSV.

Symptoms of RSV often include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing

Is it influenza?

Commonly known as the flu, influenza is not to be confused with stomach viruses. Influenza can occur any time of year.

Symptoms of the flu can include:

• Fever
• Cough that is dry
• Sore throat
• Muscle or body aches, especially in joints
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Some people, usually children, will also experience stomach upset

Is it COVID?

What makes COVID a little different from other viruses is the wide range of severity of symptoms it can bring. It’s been difficult to identify a cohesive list of COVID symptoms, because they vary greatly from person to person, and different strains carry different symptoms.

However, here’s a list of various COVID symptoms that are among the most common:

• Fever (the most common symptom of COVID)
• Dry, persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell or taste, or loss of both

As you can see, many of the symptoms of each of these viruses overlap. The only 100% fool-proof way to determine exactly what illness you have is to visit a medical clinic, such as Fountain Hills Medical Center, and get a formal test.

A common way to test for influenza, RSV, and COVID involve a nose or throat swab. These can be completed at our medical center either through making an appointment ahead of time, or by simply walking in.

Once we know what illness you have, we will advise you on the best course of action for treatment. When it comes to diagnostic testing in Fountain Hills, our medical clinic, urgent care center, and emergency room facilities are equipped and ready to issue any medications, emergency treatment, or at-home treatment plans you might need.

We’re staffed with highly ranked medical personnel who want nothing more than to accurately diagnose your symptoms, move forward with a treatment plan, and get you back to feeling well.

Have questions about these respiratory viruses or other illnesses? Worried you might be sick, but are not sure what you might have? We’re here at your Fountain Hills Medical Center, ready to help. As your source for expert care, close to home, we can assure you that there’s no reason to delay getting diagnosed or treated.

SOURCES:

• www.who.int
• www.cdc.gov
• www.mayoclinic.org
• www.webmd.com