COVID vs. Common Flu (Know the Difference)
No two or three respiratory illnesses are identical. Learn to differentiate COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and flu from each other.
Is it the flu? Is it COVID-19? Or is it the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that has been recently resurfacing in countries like the U.S. and the Philippines? Why are these symptoms showing up in the first place? In recent years, there have been many questions like these about respiratory diseases and their symptoms.
After all, illnesses of this nature can greatly affect your body function, especially your lungs, and make it difficult for you to focus on your daily routine. Out of the many known types of respiratory diseases, COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) happen to be some of the most common culprits.
These three diseases, all caused by viruses of the same names, can affect many people across all ages — toddlers and senior citizens included. Be one step ahead of the COVID-19, flu, and RSV today. Learn how these respiratory diseases are different from each other and how you can alleviate their symptoms.
They Feel the Same: How Do You Distinguish These Diseases From Each Other?
A common sentiment (or complaint) among people who had to deal with either COVID-19, flu, and RSV would be the similarity of their symptoms. This is true, as these three illnesses actually share some symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that there are some indicators that are unique to a certain health issue alone, and may not likely affect others. Here’s a chart from NBC News detailing some of the signs of either COVID-19, flu, or RSV and how common or frequent these are among patients:
|
Symptoms
|
COVID-19
|
Flu
|
RSV
|
|
Cough
|
Common
|
Common
|
Common
|
|
Fatigue
|
Common
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
|
Runny or stuffy nose
|
Common
|
Common
|
Common
|
|
Headache
|
Common
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
|
Sore throat
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
|
|
Shortness of breath
or difficulty breathing
|
Common
|
Rare
|
Sometimes (more
common in infants and young children) |
|
Muscle and body aches
|
Sometimes
|
Common
|
Sometimes
|
|
Diarrhea
|
Sometimes
|
Sometimes
(although this is more common in children) |
Rare
|
|
Loss of taste or smell
|
Sometimes
|
Rare
|
Rare
|
Other key differences between these three health issues would be the incubation period of the virus that causes the disease and how fast the symptoms manifest in a patient.
For COVID-19 patients, incubation usually ranges from two (2) to 14 days with symptoms appearing gradually. As for the flu, the virus has an incubation period that ranges from two (2) to three (3) days and can lead to sudden onset of symptoms. Lastly, RSV has an incubation period of one (1) to four (4) days and symptoms can also appear gradually.
When Symptoms of These 3 Issues Show Up, Act on Them ASAP
If you notice symptoms of either COVID-19, flu, or RSV, seek medical attention and have yourself tested. There are diagnostic tests that are utilized to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms as well as the next steps that you should undertake.
Should you test positive for COVID-19, follow standard protocols and self-isolate for at least seven (7) days, according to guidelines stated by the Department of Health (DOH). However, if you test negative for COVID-19 but are positive for either flu or RSV, you’re not out of the woods yet. As much as possible, stay at home and avoid contact with others, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect surfaces.
If you’re experiencing sore throat, cough from post-nasal drip, colds, headaches, and other respiratory symptoms, ask your doctor about medicines like Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®). It may help provide relief in as fast as 15 minutes because of the following:
-
Phenylephrine HCl: It’s a known nasal decongestant that can help lessenswelling and obstruction of nasal passages, particularly your sinuses. Phenylephrine HCl may aid in improving air flow, promoting easier breathing, and reducing risk of postnasal drip that may lead to cough.
-
Chlorphenamine Maleate: A known antihistamine, it may help target common allergy symptoms like runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sneezing.
-
Paracetamol: This may help address pain caused by headaches and assist in reducing fevers.
Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) may also help protect respiratory cells against further harm that can be caused by the common cold and flu virus.
Adults and children 12 years and older are advised to take one (1) tablet of Phenylephrine HCl + Chlorphenamine Maleate + Paracetamol (Bioflu®) every six (6) hours, or as recommended by a doctor.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC REF CODE U092P012523BS
ASC REF CODE U092P012523BS