Common viruses and infections can affect anyone at any time. While more prevalent in the fall and winter months, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of these diseases so you can take preventive measures and seek treatment when needed.
Influenza
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. While people 65 years and older, young children and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk for complications with the viruses, anyone can become infected. Influenza A and B viruses routinely spread in people and are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
Influenza viruses spread mainly through droplets when people infected cough, sneeze or talk. Individuals may also become infected by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Symptoms of influenza usually come on suddenly and can include:
- Fever/feeling feverish or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children
Influenza and COVID-19 can present similar symptoms. To know the difference, the CDC has outlined what to look for.
The CDC recommends the best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated each year. Everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, ideally by the end of October but people should continue to get vaccinated as long as flu viruses pose a threat to their community. Seasonal flu vaccine is available at Student Health.
Daily precautions such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands with soap and water and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth should also be taken.
COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) as a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu or pneumonia and can affect the lungs and respiratory system in addition to other parts of the body. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Some people, including those with minor or no symptoms, will develop Post-COVID Conditions – also called “Long COVID.”
People who are older, are immunocompromised, have certain disabilities or have underlying health conditions are more likely than others to get very sick if they get COVID-19.
COVID-19 can be very contagious and spread quickly when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate surfaces they touch. Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms that may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
COVID-19 and influenza can present similar symptoms. To know the difference, the CDC has outlined what to look for.
The CDC recommends up to date vaccination to protect against COVID-19. Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. Vaccination is available at Student Health.
Daily precautions such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, practicing good hygiene, taking steps for cleaner air and seeking care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you are at risk for severe illness. Masks, physical distancing and tests can provide additional layers of protection.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
The CDC defines RSV as a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. RSV spreads through droplets from a cough or sneeze, direct contact with an infected individual and touching surfaces that has the virus on it. While most people recover in one to two weeks, RSV can be serious.
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after becoming infected. Symptoms usually appear in stages and may include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
To prevent RSV, the CDC recommends RSV immunizations for those most at risk of getting very sick: adults ages 60 and older, pregnant women and infants and some young children. To limit the spread of RSV, all individuals should practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, take steps for cleaner air, and stay home and away from others when sick.
Strep Throat
According to the CDC, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Group A strep bacteria is very contagious, and people generally spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets and direct content.
After exposure to group A strep bacteria, it usually takes two to five days for someone to become ill with strep throat. Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Pain when swallowing
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red
- Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
- Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
- White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
Images showing signs of strep throat are available on the CDC website. It’s important to note that symptoms do not include cough or runny nose which may suggest a virus rather than infection.
Individuals with symptoms can receive a rapid strep test or throat culture from Student Health or a healthcare provider to test for strep throat and begin treatment which usually includes antibiotics.
The CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent strep throat such as washing your hands often, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and putting used tissues in the waste basket, and washing glasses, utensils and plates after someone who’s sick uses them.
Resources
Information and resources on influenza, COVID-19, RSV and strep throat are widely available online. Individuals are encouraged to contact Student Health or their healthcare provider for testing and treatment recommendations.