It’s that time of the year again in Georgia when sniffles and coughs are as common as pumpkin spice lattes. While you might chalk it up to the season, understanding whether you’re dealing with a common cold, the flu, COVID-19, or RSV can determine how to treat your symptoms.
Dr. James Lee at Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care compares these common viral infections and explains what signs indicate it’s time to call us.
Cold and flu season in Georgia kicks off in October and runs through mid-May, so we’re a month into the thick of it. However, it should be called virus season because colds and the flu aren’t the only respiratory illnesses that are common this time of year. Here’s what you’re up against.
Most people have experienced the common cold at some point. The rhinovirus causes it, and it typically has mild symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a slight cough. Although annoying, a cold generally doesn’t knock you out of commission.
You can manage your symptoms with rest and over-the-counter remedies. Although you might be uncomfortable for a week to 10 days, you can stay functional.
The flu, on the other hand, is a bit more dramatic. A different culprit is at play here — the influenza virus — which brings a high fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, and fatigue. Unlike a cold, the flu can put you out of action for several days.
Because flu season starts in the fall and can last through spring, a flu shot is your best defense. Dr. Lee recommends the flu vaccine for just about everybody, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly, who can experience complications more quickly and severely.
RSV primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It often appears like a cold but can become serious for infants and older adults. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, wheezing, and sometimes a fever.
RSV is worth keeping an eye on because it can lead to more severe issues like pneumonia.
COVID-19, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, remains a part of our reality. Its symptoms overlap with those of the flu and a cold, such as a fever, cough, and body aches.
However, COVID-19 is also notorious for nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell, which can linger longer than other symptoms. A vaccination can help you mitigate severe illness and control its spread.
You don’t need to rush your child to the doctor every time they get the sniffles, and you don’t need an appointment for a mild cough. Sometimes, however, your body needs a helping hand to fight off the virus. Here are the signs.
A high fever (above 102°F) lasting more than a few days is a sign to call us, particularly for young children and the elderly.
If you or your child experiences labored breathing, come to Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. This symptom can indicate several conditions, including severe RSV or COVID-19 complications.
When illness leads to dehydration or prevents you from keeping food down, call us. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms and lead to other health issues.
Despite our best efforts, viruses and humans have a way of connecting, and there’s no way to totally protect yourself and your family. However, there are ways to drastically reduce the odds of contracting a viral infection this season.
Wash your hands often. Every time you touch surfaces that others have touched — door knobs, railings, shopping carts, books, toys — you’re at risk of a viral infection.
Wearing a mask in crowded settings and maintaining a safe distance from those who are ill can also keep viruses at bay.
There’s no cure or shot for the common cold, but we can vaccinate you for the flu and COVID-19 and significantly reduce your risk of severe illness.
If you or a loved one is experiencing concerning symptoms, call Woodstock Family Practice & Urgent Care in Woodstock, Georgia, book an appointment online, ask about our telehealth services, or come to our urgent care clinic to determine which virus you’re dealing with and how to send it packing.
