COVID-19, Flu, RSV, and Cold Symptoms

Winter in Minnesota brings cold weather and an increase in respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. These infections can spread quickly, especially in close indoor settings. Knowing how to manage symptoms at home and when to seek medical care can help keep you and your family healthy.

Understanding the Risks

• COVID-19: Symptoms range from mild cold-like signs to severe respiratory distress.
• Flu: Causes fever, body aches, cough, and fatigue. It can lead to complications like pneumonia.
• RSV: Common in children and older adults. Symptoms include congestion, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
• Cold: Typically, mild symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Rarely causes serious complications.

Difference Between COVID-19, Flu, RSV, and Cold

Signs/Symptoms	COVID-19	Flu	RSV	Cold
Symptom onset	Varies	Abrupt	Gradual	Gradual
Fever	Often	Often	Sometimes	Rare
Cough	Often (usually dry)	Often	Often (can be severe in infants)	Often
Aches	Sometimes	Often	Rare	Slightly
Sneezing/stuffy nose	Sometimes	Sometimes	Common	Often
Sore throat	Sometimes	Sometimes	Sometimes	Often
Chest discomfort/cough	Often	Often	Often	Sometimes
Loss of taste and/or smell	Often	Rare	Rare	Rare
GI issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)	Sometimes	Often	Rare (more common in children)	Sometimes
Wheezing	Rare	Rare	Common (especially in infants)	Rare
Breathing difficulties	Sometimes (can be severe)	Sometimes	Sometimes (can be severe in infants or older adults)	Rare

Testing and Treatment Options

Knowing what illness you’re dealing with helps guide treatment and prevent spread. Testing is available in-house at JMHS, and convenient combo respiratory tests are also available online and over the counter at local pharmacies.

Testing is available for:

• COVID-19: Rapid antigen or PCR tests confirm diagnosis. Early diagnosis allows for antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals.

• Influenza (Flu): Rapid flu tests are available. If diagnosed within 48 hours of symptom onset, antiviral medications may reduce severity and shorten illness.

• RSV: Testing is available, especially for young children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions. While there is no antiviral treatment, early diagnosis supports symptom management and monitoring for complications.

Call JMHS at 320-769-4393 to schedule an appointment or speak with a triage nurse if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms.

Managing Respiratory Infections at Home

Most mild cases can be treated with:

• Rest and hydration: Drink plenty of fluids and get adequate sleep.
• Fever and pain relief: Use over-the-counter medications as directed.
• Humidified air: Helps ease congestion and soothe airways.
• Isolation: Stay home to prevent the spread of illness to others.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call JMHS or seek immediate care if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• High fever that does not improve with medication
• Symptoms that worsen after a few days
•  Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, little or no urine)

Protect Yourself and Others

• Get vaccinated for flu and COVID-19
• Wash your hands frequently
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
• Stay home when sick and for 24 hours fever-free without fever reducing medications

Your health matters. If you’re unsure whether to seek care, call JMHS at 320-769-4393 and ask to speak to the triage nurse.