What to know about flu, COVID-19 and RSV season

This time of year, health experts brace for what’s often called the “tripledemic” — a seasonal surge of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These three respiratory illnesses tend to circulate at the same time, affecting households across the country.

You can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from these illnesses. Start by understanding how these illnesses differ, what they have in common, and how to reduce your risk of serious complications.

HCA Florida Healthcare has a vast network that includes urgent care locations and doctors’ offices across the entire state. Whether you're dealing with flu symptoms, COVID-19 concerns, RSV, or other seasonal illnesses, we're here to help.

Flu, COVID-19 and RSV: What’s different? What’s similar?

About RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

RSV is a respiratory virus that infects the throat, nose and lungs. It has similar symptoms to COVID-19, the flu and even the common cold, which can make it hard to tell it apart from those illnesses. RSV normally spreads in the fall and winter and is usually at its worst in December and January.

About COVID-19

COVID-19 can cause respiratory symptoms that can feel a lot like the flu, a cold or pneumonia. Besides the respiratory system and lungs, it can also harm other parts of the body, including blood vessels, the kidneys and heart. While some people may become very ill, most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms.

About the flu (influenza)

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can infect the throat, nose and sometimes lungs. It’s caused by influenza viruses that can lead to mild or severe sickness.

All three illnesses can lead to serious health issues. If you're unsure about your symptoms, don’t wait — reach out to your primary care provider or visit an urgent care center for evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms: Some are similar, but there are differences

The symptoms of RSV, the flu and COVID-19 are enough alike that it may be hard to tell which illness you may have. Cough, shortness of breath and fever are typical for all three illnesses. Healthcare providers may use certain tests to diagnose a potential case.

Check out this chart from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases to help tell the difference between the flu, COVID-19, RSV and the common cold.

Know if you should get vaccines for flu, RSV and COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying up to date on vaccinations, especially if you are part of an at-risk group.

“Your yearly exam is the perfect time to talk with your primary care provider about how to best prepare and protect yourself and your family during the winter season,” explains Dr. Lindsay Lewis, a family medicine specialist with HCA Florida Healthcare. “They can provide the latest vaccine guidance and advise you on what to do if symptoms develop — whether treatment can be managed over the phone or in the office, or if you should seek a higher level of care such as the emergency room.”

Flu vaccine

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each season, especially those at higher risk. This includes:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children younger than 2 years old
• People with asthma
• People with chronic lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis

Many others may also benefit from flu vaccination — talk with your healthcare provider to find out what’s best for you and your family.

RSV vaccine

Healthy adults and children usually don’t experience severe illness from RSV. Still, infants younger than 6 months and adults who may be at higher risk for the disease or who are older can become very sick and need to go to the hospital. Therefore, infants, some toddlers and certain adults may be protected by being vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccine

At this time, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for most adults ages 18 and older. The CDC advises parents to talk with a healthcare provider about the benefits of vaccination for their children ages 6 months to 17 years.

Strategies to help prevent respiratory illnesses

Along with staying up to date on recommended vaccinations, these everyday habits can help protect you from flu, COVID-19 and RSV — and prevent them from spreading:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
• Regularly clean surfaces you touch often, like doorknobs, phones, and countertops.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded or high-risk settings for added protection.
• If you feel sick, stay home until better and keep your distance from others.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness.
• Contact your healthcare provider right away for treatment if you think you may be sick.

When you have symptoms, but it’s not an emergency

If you need medical care that can’t wait for a regular appointment — but isn’t life-threatening — our urgent care clinics are here for you. We’ll help you feel better, faster.

Still unsure what to do? Call our Consult-A-Nurse® line for free, 24/7 support at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773). You’ll get expert advice with no judgment — just help.