Are you suffering flulike symptoms Is it allergies a cold flu COVID or something else

It’s that time of year again – you or a family member wakes up coughing and feeling unwell. Is it allergies, a cold, flu, COVID-19, or something else?

Allergies, colds, the flu, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, and COVID-19 all can trigger respiratory illnesses. However, each one has different causes, symptoms, and severity. While it can be difficult, especially in the early stages, to know what may be causing your symptoms, there are some key things to look for.

Let’s start with what could be making you cough. 

What’s making you sick?

Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. Allergies are not contagious. 

Various viruses can give you a cold, the most common type of respiratory illness. Colds are generally mild, and people often recover without medication intervention. Colds are contagious and can be spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.

The influenza virus causes the flu. The flu can be more severe than a cold, leading to serious complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. The flu is contagious and can be spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes infections in people of all ages. Still, it is most common in young children and older people. RSV can cause mild to severe illness, leading to serious complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. RSV is contagious and can be spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19. COVID-19 can cause mild to severe illness, leading to serious complications, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and death. COVID-19 is contagious and can be spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.

What are the early signs of these respiratory illnesses?

Early symptoms can provide clues on what might be making you sick. Here’s what to look for in each of these illnesses.

Allergies:

• Sneezing

• Itchy eyes

• Runny nose

• Congestion

Colds:

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Cough

The Flu:

• Fever

• Chills

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Fatigue

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Runny nose

RSV:

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Cough

• Wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

COVID-19:

• Fever

• Chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle aches

• Headache

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Loss of taste or smell

How can you tell the difference?

While some of the symptoms of these illnesses overlap, some key differences can help you tell them apart. 

For example, allergies are not contagious, while colds, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are. Additionally, allergies cause itchy eyes and a runny nose. On the other hand, colds, the flu, and RSV tend to cause a fever and muscle aches.

If you’re allergic to something and take allergy medicine, you typically experience relief. If you travel someplace without the pollen that triggers your allergies, you will feel better without taking allergy drugs. 

However, if you are coming down with a cold, the flu, RSV, or COVID-19, you may take some over-the-counter (OTC) medications but still feel unwell. In the case of a severe infection such as RSV, the flu, or COVID-19, OTC drugs won’t make much of a difference as you feel worse. You must see a doctor to treat your symptoms and ensure you don’t develop complications.

What steps to take when you’re sick

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is vital to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment for allergies, colds, the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 will vary depending on the severity of your illness and the underlying cause.

Here are some general tips for each illness, but please consult a Physician to get a firm diagnosis before taking any treatment:

Allergies:

• Avoid your allergy triggers.

• Take over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications.

• Consider using a saline nasal rinse to flush your sinuses.

Colds:

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms.

The flu:

• Get a flu shot every year.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Take over-the-counter medications to relieve your symptoms.

• If you have severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications.

RSV:

• Ask your doctor if the RSV vaccine is right for you.

• Treatment for RSV is supportive and includes rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

• In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated or a booster shot to protect you from COVID-19.

• Wear a mask in public indoor settings.

• Social distance as needed.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• If you test positive for COVID-19, isolate yourself from others and follow your doctor’s instructions, which could include taking antiviral medicine.

I still feel sick. What now?

If you are unsure which illness you have or experiencing severe symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor immediately.

Especially if you think you have a contagious illness like COVID-19, book a telemedicine appointment with your doctor to determine if you have a cold or the flu and prescribe medication, where applicable. 

What if I don’t have a doctor, insurance, or a doctor who provides telemedicine visits? LASO Health can help! 

LASO Health is an excellent option if you are looking for a convenient, affordable, high-quality, accessible healthcare solution. LASO partners with the Walmart Health Virtual Care network to offer convenient access to a board-certified network of healthcare providers. Using LASO can provide you with the care you need at an affordable, set price – no insurance and no surprise bills. 

LASO Health offers transparent pricing, membership-based telemedicine services, prescription savings, and health advocacy to help you reduce medical expenses. Our user-friendly bilingual platform makes accessing these features and managing your healthcare needs easy.

Give LASO Health a try – it’s free to download and can help you save on medical costs on your first visit.