6 viruses (and telltale symptoms) to watch for this season

Every fall and winter, respiratory viruses make the rounds.

And while everyone is familiar with the symptoms — cough, congestion, headache, stuffy or runny nose — it’s not always easy to tell what virus or bacteria is causing the misery.

“It’s never a fun experience to have a cough, though most viral respiratory infections are mild enough to be treated at home with over-the-counter medicine,” said Sarah Kidder, DO, a family medicine physician with Endeavor Health.

For healthy people with mild to moderate symptoms, it’s usually appropriate to stay home, rest, and stay well hydrated.

“It’s helpful if people who are at a high-risk for severe illness get tested for things like Influenza and COVID when they experience symptoms, as it can help us decide whether antiviral medication would help,” Dr. Kidder said. “That group includes infants and young children, adults age 65 and up, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.”

All the viruses circulating usually cause a cough, though the severity depends on the virus.

1. Colds. A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, primarily the nose and throat. Because it’s caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t clear the infection. Most colds don’t feel great but are generally mild and can be treated with over-the-counter symptom relievers. Cold symptoms can appear between 1 and 3 days after someone is exposed to the virus, and usually last about a week. Typical cold symptoms include:
   • Runny nose or nasal congestion
   • Sneezing
   • Sore throat
   • Low-grade fever
   • Cough (without mucus)
   • Fatigue
2. Bronchitis. Commonly referred to as a chest cold, bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tubes, so you’ll feel congestion in your lungs more than your head or throat. It’s often caused by the same viruses that cause colds, COVID-19 and influenza, or by irritants, so antibiotics won’t make it go away any quicker. Less commonly, it may be caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. The most common symptom of bronchitis is a lingering cough that can stay with you as long as three weeks or more. Other symptoms can include:
   • Low-grade fever
   • Cough that might produce yellow or green mucus
   • Fatigue
   • Wheezing
   • Trouble breathing
   • Chest congestion
3. COVID-19. An infection with the COVID-19 virus can make you feel miserable but is not likely to develop into a severe illness, thanks to years of prior infections and vaccines. Symptoms of COVID include:
   • Sore throat
   • Cough
   • Congestion
   • Fever
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle aches
   • Diarrhea
4. Flu. Influenza is a more serious viral infection than the common cold. It feels more severe and can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. Symptoms can include:
   • High Fever or chills
   • Cough
   • Sore throat
   • Runny/stuffy nose
   • Muscle aches, headaches
   • Fatigue
   • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in kids than adults)
5. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In healthy older children, teens and adults an RSV infection is often mild. But for babies, young children and people over age 75, it can lead to hospitalization and even death. The RSV vaccine is recommended for pregnant people, infants and adults age 75 and older. While young infants with RSV may only have symptoms of irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties, RSV symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and flu, and can include:
   • Harsh Cough
   • Stuffy or runny nose
   • Sore throat
   • Fatigue
   • Headache
   • Fever and/or chills
6. Pneumonia. Pneumonia is inflammation in the lungs caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Pneumonia can be serious and requires treatment from your physician. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 years and older, and younger people with certain risk factors. Children younger than 2 also receive a pneumococcal vaccine as part of routine well baby care. While it can be difficult to tell whether your infection is flu or pneumonia, the latter has some more distinct symptoms, including:
   • Congestion or chest pain
   • Shortness of breath
   • A fever reaching 102 or higher
   • Cough that can produce yellow, green or bloody mucus or spit

Infections with viruses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV can be more uncomfortable, but tolerable, for most healthy kids and adults. However, these viruses can cause more severe symptoms in the very young, very old or immunocompromised.

Tips to stay healthy

Fortunately, there are vaccines for COVID, flu, RSV and pneumonia and that can help protect people from serious illness.

It’s important to stay vigilant to avoid germs and infections year-round, but especially during the winter season when viruses circulate more easily. Follow these tips to keep yourself and those around you healthier this season:

• Wash your hands often with soap and running water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover your mouth (with a tissue or into your elbow) when you cough or sneeze
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Get vaccinated
• Clean or disinfect shared surfaces or commonly touched items if someone in your household is sick

Seek medical treatment if you have a respiratory infection that persists for longer than two weeks or worsens over time.