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Update Weekly September 25, 2024 - Issue 2281

RSV vs. Flu vs. COVID-19: Understanding the Differences

AHCA NCAL

As we head into the fall and winter, long term care providers are preparing for an increased spread and incidence of respiratory viruses, namely RSV, flu, and COVID-19. All three respiratory viruses can be particularly dangerous for residents with weakened immune systems and other underlying health conditions. While the three viruses share many similarities, there are also key differences in treatment options and symptoms. Read on to understand more about the differences and similarities between these viruses.  

  RSV  COVID  Flu 
Vaccination Available  Yes- One time  Yes- Annual  Yes- Annual 
Ideal Vaccination Window(1)  September-October 

 

 

 September-October  September-October  
Vaccination Information Statement   Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) VIS
  		 COVID-19 VIS 

 

 Influenza (Flu) VIS 

 
How it spreads(23) 
  • Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth 
  • Contact with a contaminated surface 
  • Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth 
  •  Contact with a contaminated surface 
  • Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth 
  •  Contact with a contaminated surface 
How long do symptoms appear after exposure or infection(45)  4 to 6 days   2 to 5 days, but up to 14 days  1 to 4 days 
Contagious Period(67) 
  • 3 to 8 days 
  •  People with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as 4 weeks 
 1–2 days before and up to 8–10 days after symptoms begin 
  • 1 day before and up to 5–7 days after symptoms begin 
  •  People with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer periods of time 
Common Symptoms(8) 
  • Runny nose 
  • Decrease in appetite 
  • Coughing 
  • Sneezing 
  • Fever 
  • Wheezing 
  • Fever or chills 
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • Sore throat 
  • Congestion or runny nose 
  • New loss of taste or smell 
  • Fatigue 
  • Muscle or body aches 
  • Headache 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Fever or chills 
  • cough 
  • sore throat 
  • runny or stuffy nose 
  • muscle or body aches 
  • headaches 
  • fatigue  

 
Testing Options  Molecular and Antigen  Molecular and Antigen  Molecular and Antigen 
Infection Control Practices  Infection Control Basics
 		 Infection Control Guidance: SARS-CoV-2
 		 Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities
  
Treatment Options  Antiviral treatments are not recommended 
  • Antivirals are recommended for individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. 
  • Several antiviral treatments are available. 
  • Treatments must be initiated between 5 or 7 days of symptom onset.  

 
  • Antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as possible for any patient with suspected or confirmed influenza who is hospitalized; has severe, complicated, or progressive illness; or is at higher risk for influenza complications. 
  • Several antiviral treatments are available.  

Below are resources to check out for more explanation on the differences between these three viruses, as well as how to handle co-circulation:   

  • National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: Check out this table from NFID highlighting common symptoms of each virus.  
  • CDC Testing and Management Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Illness Symptoms when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-circulating: When COVID-19 and Flu are co-circulating in the nursing home, providers should use this infection control guidance from the CDC.   

Related resources:  

Source: AHCA/NCAL  

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