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Is it the flu, a cold, RSV or COVID?

These respiratory illnesses have overlapping symptoms, so it might be hard to identify what you’re dealing with. Don’t worry – we can help you identify your symptoms and get you back on track. Visit your health care provider or an urgent care near you and feel better soon.

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Child sick laying down while mom check its temperature

Respiratory illnesses

COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by different viruses, but are spread in similar ways. They also cause similar symptoms. Both usually include a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose. But, a headache is usually present with COVID, but rarely with a cold. COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?

Then there is Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes an infection in the lungs and respiratory tract. Symptoms in adults and older, healthy kids, are usually pretty mild and are much like the common cold. But in people with compromised immune systems or very young children, RSV can cause a severe infection. More about RSV in our health library.

Flu

You wake up with a sore throat and by afternoon you have aches and chills, your nose is running and you are exhausted. Is it the flu?

Common cold

You think it’s a cold … it isn’t your first one. But you don’t want to have something more serious, either. How do you know for sure?

RSV

You’ve heard about RSV, but aren’t really sure what it is. Your child woke up in the night with a low-grade fever. Is it serious?

COVID-19

This illness can mimic the flu, but what if you lost your smell or have digestive problems. You’ve been vaccinated. Should you test?

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

At Beacon Health System, we are committed to exceptional, safe care for patients and support of our frontline healthcare heroes who work to meet our community’s critical medical needs. Our key experts continuously review new care guidelines and regional case status while ensuring our staff has the necessary equipment to provide the safest care possible.

About testing for COVID-19

If you need to test for COVID-19, Beacon encourages you to contact your county health department for testing availability near you, to order free tests through the government or to buy a test at a drug store. If you are having complications related to coronavirus symptoms, contact your Primary Care Provider for an appointment. Should you need immediate attention, your provider can put in an order for you to be tested through one of our MedPoint Urgent Care locations.

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control website for the most current information on testing and what to do if you have a positive result.