Every year, respiratory viruses like flu, Covid and RSV cause millions of people to get sick and thousands of people to die.
You can lower your risk by getting vaccinated.
Did you know?
People over 65 and those who are immunocompromised should get a 2nd Covid vaccine 6 months after their first dose.
Who is at risk for respiratory infections?
Everyone is at risk for respiratory infections, but some people are at higher risk for severe disease or hospitalization.
You are considered high risk for a severe case of flu or Covid if you:
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Are 65 years or older
-
Are pregnant
-
Have a weakened immune system
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Have certain health conditions, such as:
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Heart disease
-
Obesity
-
Asthma
You are considered high risk for a severe case of RSV if you:
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Are 75 years or older
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Are 60–74 years old and living in a long-term care facility
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Have certain health conditions, such as:
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Heart, lung & kidney disease
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Obesity
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Diabetes
-
Asthma
How can you tell the difference between these infections?
The flu, Covid and RSV all cause similar symptoms that can range from mild to deadly.
The common symptoms of these 3 viruses include:
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Fever
-
Cough
-
Headache
-
Runny or stuffy nose
Other symptoms are more common in certain viruses than others.
|
|
Flu |
Covid |
RSV |
|
Muscle pain/body aches |
Often |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
|
Difficulty breathing |
Rarely |
Often |
Sometimes |
|
Fatigue or weakness |
Often |
Often |
Rarely |
|
Fever |
Often (can be h igh, up to 103 or 104) |
Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100) |
Sometimes (mild fever of 99 or 100) |
|
Loss of taste or smell |
Rarely |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
|
Sore throat |
Sometimes |
Often |
Rarely |
|
Wheezing |
Rarely |
Rarely |
Often |
|
Chills |
Often |
Often |
Rarely |
|
Sneezing |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
|
Diarrhea/vomiting |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Rarely |
One way to help you figure out which virus you have is how quickly symptoms come on.
-
Flu comes on quickly and is felt all over the body
-
Covid and RSV often start slowly with sniffles, followed in the next day or two by cough and headac he
The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Vaccines to protect you from flu, Covid and RSV
Vaccines can help keep symptoms mild and help prevent severe disease and hospitalization.
Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for:
-
Everyone 6 months and older
It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are 65 and older or are at high risk for severe disease.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for adults:
-
Age 75 and older
-
Ages 60 or older in nursing homes or with certain health conditions
-
32 – 36 weeks pregnant during RSV season
This educational resource was created with support from Novavax, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.
