How to Tell Flu From a Virus

Both the flu and a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are respiratory illnesses that cannot be treated with antibiotics. A RSV resembles a moderate to severe cold that is often mistaken for the flu. A RSV can develop into more serious illnesses, especially in infants and young children, so do not mistakenly assume it's just the flu.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine if you are feeling extreme exhaustion, fatigue and weakness and body aches. These symptoms are usually not present or are relatively mild with a RSV.
2. Take your temperature. You are more likely to have a fever, chills and body aches with the flu. The flu usually has a fever around 102 degrees F that lasts for several days.
3. Look for symptoms similar to a common cold. Someone who has a RSV has a runny nose, red eyes, cough and possibly wheezing.
4. Assess how your lungs feel. RSV is more likely to be a lower respiratory tract illness affecting the lungs. You may feel shortness of breath or develop a cough seems to be non-stop and produces mucus.
5. See your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you have the flu. The doctor can take a nasal swab to test for flu. Tamiflu is a prescribed medication that can greatly reduce flu symptoms, but it must be taken within the first two days of symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a flu vaccination in October or November to reduce your chances of getting the flu. It's available as a shot or nasal spray.
• Children under one year old are most likely to have RSV can turn into bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Contact your doctor if your child is having difficulty breathing, wheezing or apnea.
• You can still get the flu after receiving a flu vaccination. Usually the symptoms are less severe.