COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are common respiratory diseases with cold-like symptoms. They usually spread in the fall and winter, although you can get sick with a respiratory virus any time of year. Most people will recover on their own without complications, but some people are at higher risk of getting very sick. Monitor respiratory viral disease trends in LA County by visiting RespWatch.
The best defense against severe illness is to stay up to date with all recommended vaccines. All people six months or older should get vaccinated against influenza. All people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to get it. If you would like to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and are unsure if you're eligible under the new FDA approval, consult with your medical provider or pharmacist. Some people may also be eligible for RSV immunizations. For more information about vaccinations for you and your family, please see Los Angeles County Department of Public Health's Vaccine Page.
Other symptoms are possible with each of these infections. RSV is more likely to cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways in the lungs) in children than other viruses. Although certain symptoms can be more common with one virus than another, it is hard to tell which infection someone has based on symptoms alone.
Some people may experience symptoms for weeks, which could be long COVID-19 or long flu.
Anyone who has difficulty breathing or symptoms that worsen should seek immediate medical care.
Get tested for COVID-19. Testing helps make sure you get the right treatment and don't spread germs to others. Talk to your doctor about testing for COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens including flu, especially if you are at high risk for severe illness.
Note: People who live in LA County who are age 65+ or unable to leave home can request two free tests. The tests are shipped within 5 business days.
If you test positive, follow COVID-19 Community Guidelines.
There are certain places where respiratory viruses spread more easily:
To protect yourself and others from respiratory illness, follow these best practices:
For treatments, talk to your healthcare provider. Call 2-1-1 to find a nearby provider if it is not an emergency and you do not have a provider. People with high-risk health conditions should seek medical attention even with mild symptoms.
In general, most minor respiratory virus infections improve with simple steps (getting plenty of rest, drinking enough fluids, eating well). Symptoms such as fever and pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (never give aspirin to children.) Antibiotics do not help with diseases caused by viruses. Antiviral medications are available for certain individuals with flu and COVID-19. These medications should be started soon as symptoms begin. Currently there are no specific antiviral medications for RSV.
If symptoms do not get better after a week, or if your symptoms get worse after starting to improve, talk to a healthcare provider or go to urgent care.
If symptoms get worse and are urgent, seek emergency medical care.
Many adults and some children qualify for treatment if they have symptoms of COVID-19 AND either they test positive for COVID-19 OR a doctor recommends treatment. Medication should be started within 5 days of first symptoms. If you don’t have a provider, call the Public Health InfoLine at (833) 540-0473, available 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Treatment for RSV focuses on relieving symptoms. Fever and
pain can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
(never give aspirin to children.) Dehydration can be prevented by drinking enough
fluids. Unlike influenza and COVID-19, there aren’t any antiviral medications approved
for treating an infection with RSV.
Young children and older individuals are at increased risk of severe disease. In severe
cases, the airways that lead to the lungs may become inflamed and cause breathing
problems. RSV usually does not cause hospitalization in healthy adults but can lead to
bronchiolitis and pneumonia
in infants, older adult and adults with high risk conditions.
Influenza antiviral medications are available for adults and children by prescription . Antiviral medication works best if started within 2 days of first symptoms, but may still be taken later especially if you are high risk or have severe illness. More information on Flu antiviral medication, see CDC website:
It is very rare, but some children who have been previously infected with COVID-19 develop a serious COVID complication called Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). If a child has a persistent fever, head or neck pain, stomach pain, rash, bloodshot eyes, or chest tightness consult with your medical provider.
Get your child emergency care for any of these MIS-C symptoms: trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, inability to wake/stay awake, or pale, gray or blue skin, lips or nails.
Most people recover from COVID-19 within a few days to weeks. However, some people may continue to have symptoms or develop new symptoms weeks or months later, a condition known as Long COVID or Post-COVID Conditions.
Symptoms vary but can include fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, or difficulty thinking clearly ("brain fog"). Even people who had mild illness can develop Long COVID.
There is no single test for Long COVID. Health care providers base diagnosis on symptoms and history of infection. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines can lower the risk of developing Long COVID.For more information, visit:
