Flu vs. COVID-19 vs. RSV: How to Tell the Difference
October 15, 2026
A cough, fever or stuffy nose can leave you wondering: Is it the flu, COVID-19 or RSV? These respiratory illnesses share many symptoms, making it difficult to know what's causing you to feel sick. Understanding their differences can help you know when to get tested and seek medical care.
Common Symptoms of Flu, COVID-19 and RSV
All three illnesses affect the respiratory system, but they are caused by different viruses.
- Flu: Symptoms often appear suddenly and include fever, chills, body aches, fatigue and cough. Not everyone with the flu develops a fever.
- COVID-19: Symptoms vary and may include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue and sometimes a new loss of taste or smell.
- RSV: Often causes cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, congestion, coughing and sneezing. Wheezing may also occur, particularly in young children.
Although these symptoms can provide clues, they overlap significantly. You cannot reliably identify which virus you have based on symptoms alone.
When Should You Get Tested?
If you're experiencing respiratory symptoms, testing may help identify the cause of your illness. Some tests can detect multiple respiratory viruses using a single sample.
Testing can be especially helpful for people at higher risk of complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with certain chronic health conditions.
Early diagnosis can also guide treatment decisions. Prescription antiviral medications are available for flu and COVID-19 and work best when started soon after symptoms begin.
How Can You Protect Yourself and Others?
Simple preventive steps can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses:
- Stay up to date on recommended immunizations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Eligibility varies by age, health history and other risk factors.
- Wash your hands frequently and cover coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home when you're sick and follow current public health guidance before returning to normal activities.
- Improve indoor ventilation and take additional precautions around people at higher risk of severe illness.
Click here to learn more about flu prevention and flu shots.
When Should You Seek Medical Care?
Most people recover from mild respiratory illnesses with rest, fluids and appropriate symptom relief. However, contact your health care provider promptly if symptoms worsen or you're at higher risk of severe illness. Seek emergency medical care for severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion or difficulty staying awake.
Whether you're experiencing flu-like symptoms or a lingering cough, Renown Urgent Care can help evaluate your symptoms and determine appropriate next steps.
Not sure where to go? Schedule an appointment today.
Flu season is here and getting your annual flu shot is one simple way to help protect yourself, your loved ones and the community. Annual flu vaccination helps reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and serious complications. It can also reduce the severity of illness for people who are vaccinated but still get sick.
For patients in Fallon, Silver Springs and the surrounding rural northern Nevada communities, access to quality healthcare is a top priority. Some drive over two hours just to see a primary care provider or walk into an urgent care clinic. Practice Site Leader Erin (formerly a Sr. Medical Assistant for Renown Medical Group – Fernley) is one of the dedicated team members ensuring those patients feel seen, heard and cared for the moment they walk through the door.
What started as an externship close to home has grown into a fulfilling career marked by mentorship, professional growth and a deep passion for patient care. We sat down with Erin to learn more about her journey.
Summertime welcomes a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy, including swimming, hiking, exercising and more. However, did you know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more prevalent during the summer months—especially among women—due to several factors, including temperature, dehydration, prolonged exposure to wet clothing and an increased risk of bacteria spreading to sensitive areas?
