The winter season brings colder weather and shorter days, but it also signifies peak respiratory illness season. Many common respiratory illnesses share similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to identify what exactly is causing your symptoms. Learn about the causes and symptoms of COVID-19 and RSV, two very common viral infections, so that you can ensure you’re taking the correct steps to make a quick recovery. Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook for respiratory illness diagnosis and treatment in Bound Brook, NJ.
How To Tell COVID-19 and RSV Apart
COVID-19 and RSV are two very common respiratory illnesses. They both commonly spread in the colder winter months when we spend more time in close quarters with others who may be sick. Although they are two completely different illnesses, they share many common symptoms which can make them difficult to identify.
Common RSV Symptoms
RSV can infect anyone, however, severe RSV cases are most frequently seen in young children who have weakened immune systems. RSV symptoms usually only last a few days, however, some symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing can last for weeks.
Common symptoms of RSV:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Sore throat
- Cough
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Common COVID-19 Symptoms
Although COVID-19 previously was a very serious respiratory illness, even for healthy adults, the current strain is much milder. COVID-19 infections can last slightly longer than RSV, with most cases lasting closer to 2 weeks. COVID-19 also has an unusually long incubation period which means that symptoms sometimes take up to 14 days to first appear. This can lead to COVID-19 spreading very quickly because infected individuals usually don’t self-isolate until symptoms appear.
Common symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Cough
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Congestion
When To Seek Medical Care For Symptoms of a Respiratory Illness
If you’re suffering from symptoms that align with a respiratory illness such as COVID-19 or RSV, it is important that you seek medical care. A medical professional can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest treatment options to ensure that you make a quick recovery. Without proper treatment, respiratory illnesses can develop into more serious secondary illnesses such as pneumonia.
Although viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics or other medical treatments, your medical provider will be able to suggest at-home care options to help manage your symptoms while your body fights off the infection. RSV and COVID-19 are typically manageable without medical treatment for healthy adults. However, if you have underlying health conditions, a compromised immune system, or spend time near the elderly or young children, these illnesses can be very serious.
Tips for Preventing RSV and COVID-19
Preventing respiratory illnesses can be tricky because they are so easily spread from person to person. You can catch a respiratory illness from breathing in the same air as an infected individual. You can also pick up viruses and other germs from touching the same surfaces as an infected individual, such as doorknobs.
Practicing proper hygiene is a critical aspect of preventing respiratory illnesses during the winter. Washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer will both help kill germs you come in contact with before they are able to infect you. Avoiding touching your face will also reduce the chances of germs reaching your respiratory system. If you are eligible, you should always vaccinate yourself against common diseases such as COVID-19. Vaccines help build herd immunity, and protect those around you who may be at risk for severe illness.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook For Illness Symptom Treatment
If you’re experiencing mild illness symptoms, you may be experiencing the early symptoms of a viral respiratory infection like RSV or COVID-19. Seeking early treatment can help you better manage your symptoms and prevent severe illness from developing. AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook offers illness diagnosis and treatment seven days a week on a walk-in basis. Just walk into our clinic, or schedule your visit online.
Our dedicated medical staff will evaluate your symptoms and perform the necessary diagnostic testing using our on-site laboratory. Based on your diagnosis, your medical provider will provide a customized treatment plan to help promote a fast recovery. AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook offers illness care for the whole family. We never require that you schedule an appointment to receive personalized medical care when it’s convenient for you. Simply walk into our clinic. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care. For additional information, please contact our clinic directly by calling 732-469-3627.
