Is it COVID, RSV, norovirus or the flu? Here’s how to identify symptoms and stop spread (original) (raw)

With respiratory virus season in full swing in California, you may be feeling under the weather.

Cases of the flu and respiratory syncytial virus are on the rise in California, the California Department of Public Health said in December.

Norovirus outbreaks are also spreading across the state, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Many respiratory viruses, including influenza, RSV and COVID-19, can cause cold-like symptoms,” the California health department told The Sacramento Bee in 2024.

Although those viruses peak between October and March, they circulate year-round in California, the department’s website says.

How can you tell the difference between the diseases? And how can you keep from getting sick?

If you want to know what illness could be attacking your immune system, here’s what California and federal health officials said to do:

Many respiratory viruses can cause cold-like symptoms, according to the California Department of Public Health. Imgorthand Getty Images

Do I have the flu?

Influenza can cause mild to severe illness and potentially lead to death.

According to the CDC, symptoms usually appear suddenly for those with the flu.

What are flu symptoms?

• Fever or feeling chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

How does the flu spread?

People with flu can spread the flue to others. Most health experts suggest that influenza viruses “spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk,” according to the CDC.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How to avoid getting influenza

According to the National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, there are several ways to reduce the chances of contracting or spreading the flu.

You should:

• Get your flu shot.
• Know how the flu is spread.
• Know flu symptoms.
• Cover cough and sneezes.
• Clean hands and surfaces.
• Stay home when sick.

Here’s what to know about noroviruses, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea known as stomach flu, including symptoms and prevention. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How do I know if I have norovirus?

Norovirus is the “leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis” in the United States, with more than 2,500 norovirus outbreaks reported every year, according to the Mayo Clinic.

People typically develop symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus, also known as the stomach flu, the CDC said.

What are common symptoms of norovirus?

According to the agency, the most common symptoms of norovirus are:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Dehydration
• Decreased urination
• Dry mouth and throat

How can you get stomach flu?

Norovirus often spreads in closed and crowded environments, such as hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers and schools, according to the California Department of Public Health.

You can get norovirus in a variety of ways, federal and state health officialssaid, including:

• Eating or drinking something that has norovirus in it, including undercooked shellfish
• Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth before washing your hands
• Having direct contact with someone with norovirus
• Sharing the toilet or bathroom with someone who is sick with norovirus
• Accidentally swallowing water that has norovirus in it, including water in swimming pools
• Cleaning up vomit or diarrhea without wearing protective gear, such as gloves and a face mask

“People sick with norovirus shed the virus in high amounts in their vomit and stool, so coming into contact with the virus is how you get sick,” said Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric physician with the Mayo Clinic. “This can be through direct contact or through contaminated food, or you can pick it up from a surface.”

How to prevent norovirus from spreading

Since norovirus is highly contagious, the CDC recommends following these tips to avoid getting sick and spreading the illness:

• Wash your hands well and often.
• Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
• Wash laundry in hot water.
• Stay home when sick for 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Health officials believe the popularity of at-home rapid-test kits for COVID-19, like these provided free by the federal government, means actual coronavirus cases are likely far higher than official counts based on laboratory-confirmed molecular PCR testing. Tim Sheehan The Fresno Bee

Should I test for COVID-19?

COVID-19, which is caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2., “can be very contagious and spreads quickly,” the CDC said.

According to the CDC, possible symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Tiredness
• Muscle, head or body aches New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

“Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus,” the CDC website says.

Should I test for COVID-19?

Although flu and COVID-19 share common symptoms, the California Department of Public Health said you can “use COVID-19 over-the-counter home tests” to determine your illness.”

How to stop coronavirus from spreading

The CDC recommends that all people use “core prevention strategies” to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Tips include:

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
• Practice good hygiene
• Take steps for cleaner air

When you are sick:

• Stay home and away from others if you have respiratory symptoms.
• Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and a runny nose. PeopleImages Getty Images

Is it RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus infects the nose, throat and lungs, the CDC said, resulting in symptoms that “make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses.”

Although the virus typically doesn’t cause severe illness in healthy adults and children, some people with RSV — especially older adults and very young infants — can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized, the agency said.

Symptoms of RSV can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Wheezing in very young babies
• Difficulty breathing

Can you test for RSV?

Tests aren’t usually necessary to diagnose RSV, Mayo Clinic says. However, they can help diagnose complications or rule out other respiratory viruses that can cause similar symptoms.

These tests can include chest X-rays, swabbing the inside of the mouth or nose, pulse oximetry to detect levels of oxygen and blood tests.

How to treat RSV

The Mayo Clinic website says treatment for RSV generally involves self-care measures, though hospital care may be needed if severe symptoms occur.

Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol to reduce fever, or nasal saline drops and suctioning to clear a stuffy nose.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there’s a bacterial complication, such as bacterial pneumonia.

Offer the patient plenty of fluids and watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, little to no urine output, sunken eyes, and extreme fussiness or sleepiness.

Hospitals may treat RSV with intravenous fluids, humidified oxygen, or a breathing machine in more severe cases.

The Charlotte Observer

Kendrick previously led the Observer’s Service Journalism team. Originally from Chicago, has covered everything from public safety to college and professional sports during his two-decade career in journalism.