Health Infographic
Fall and winter months bring the flu season, and COVID and respiratory syncytial virus ―RSV ― can complicate the picture. Here is what you need to know to stay safer.
Wash Hands Often
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom and before eating.
Respiratory Etiquette
Follow guidelines for where and when to wear a face mask. Be sure to cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands immediately.
Avoid Close Contact
Avoid close contact with those confirmed or suspected of having the flu, COVID-19 or RSV, particularly, in crowded indoor spaces, consider wearing a mask.
Flu, RSV and COVID-19 can have similar symptoms. Call a doctor or health care center if you have any of these symptoms:
Flu
Fever and aches should end within five days. Coughing and fatigue/feeling tired or not having energy can last about two weeks. See your doctor if symptoms get worse. Severe cases may lead to hospitalization or death.
COVID-19
Some people may never have symptoms. Recovery can take up to two weeks for mild cases, or six weeks or more for severe cases. COVID-19 may also lead to lasting organ damage, hospitalization or death.
RSV
RSV symptoms often show up within four to six days after exposure. Most children and adults with RSV will have mild symptoms similar to the common cold and recover in one to two weeks. In children younger than 1 year, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Flu
Rest, a fever reducer such as acetaminophen and an antiviral medicine to reduce the amount of time you have the flu and prevent complications. For serious cases, hospitalization and breathing support with a ventilator may be necessary.
COVID-19
Mild cases: rest, fever reducers and cough medicine. Antibody treatment for those at high risk of severe disease. Serious cases: hospitalization, breathing support with a ventilator or other therapies.
RSV
For those with mild symptoms, rest and plenty of fluids are recommended. Over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers can help manage symptoms. Aspirin should NOT be given to children or teenagers during viral illnesses.
Flu
Flu can turn into pneumonia, and very severe cases can be fatal.
COVID-19
COVID-19 can result in pneumonia and lasting damage to your lungs, kidneys, heart and brain. COVID-19 can be fatal.*
RSV
Children with severe symptoms may require a hospital visit to receive more fluids, oxygen therapy or use of a ventilator breathing machine.
Flu
Flu is caused by several different influenza viruses that change each year, which is why there is a new vaccine each flu season.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which emerged late in 2019. The disease can also be caused by variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
RSV
RSV is caused by a common respiratory virus. Most children contract the respiratory syncytial virus before age 2.
