Flu, COVID-19 and RSV: What You Need to Know This Season

Each year, families across the country encounter a variety of respiratory illnesses, with the most common being flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Know how to recognize illness symptoms (many of which are similar, such as cough) prevent infection, and seek appropriate care.

Flu (Influenza) 

Flu Vaccine Recommendations

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends a flu shot for anyone six months of age or older. Influenza vaccinations are available now - contact your healthcare provider’s office or local pharmacy to get vaccinated.

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms are sudden in onset and typically include:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Sore throat

When to See a Doctor 

Most people who have influenza can treat their illness at home. With rest and drinking plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, average healthy people can expect to feel better in about a week. Some people are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, including:

• Young children
• Pregnant women
• Age 65 or older
• Immunocompromised
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions, especially of the lung and heart

Early diagnosis is important for managing symptoms and for use of anti-viral medication, which is most effective when started within 72 hours of symptom onset.

COVID-19 

COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends everyone six months of age and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. Contact your healthcare provider’s office or local pharmacy to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 Symptoms 

COVID-19 symptoms come on gradually and may include:

• Shortness of breath
• New loss of taste or smell
• Headache

When to See a Doctor for COVID-19 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, most symptoms can be managed at home with rest, drinking liquids to stay hydrated, and medications to reduce fever (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen).

Some people are at higher risk of developing sever illness, including:

• Age 65 or older
• Immunocompromised
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, lung or heart disease

Testing for Flu and COVID-19 

Testing is helpful to identify the illness you have and how best to treat it. Some options to be tested for flu or COVID-19 are:                                                       

• Purchase an at-home test kit from your local pharmacy which can range in price from $10 to $40
• Contact your primary care provider’s office or pharmacy and inquire about their testing options, such as an office visit or a visit for testing only.
• Sauk Prairie Healthcare and Prairie Clinic have also arranged for additional availability of testing appointments at Sauk Prairie Healthcare’s Campus Clinic during peak respiratory illness season. If you need to be seen same day, but your primary care provider can't fit you in, they can coordinate an appointment for you at Campus Clinic instead. Going to the Campus Clinic has the benefit of a scheduled appointment time and billing as a primary care visit rather than a walk-in Urgent Care visit to the Emergency Room.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Flu or COVID-19 

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• New onset of confusion
• Sudden dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty waking up or staying awake (Lethargic)
• Skin, lips or nails turning blue or gray

Seek emergency care if you see the following in children:

• Difficult/fast breathing
• Blue skin color (lips)
• Not drinking enough
• Not waking up, lethargic
• Irritable
• Flu symptoms that improve but then return with a fever and worse cough
• High fever with a rash
• Not eating
• No tears if crying
• Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal

RSV 

RSV Vaccine Recommendations 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends RSV vaccination for the following age groups:

• Adults age 75 and older
• Adults ages 50-74 who are at risk for severe symptoms or complications should they contract RSV
• Pregnant individuals who are between 32 weeks and 36 weeks and six days of gestation
• Infants younger than 8 months (born during or are entering their first season of RSV)
• Children ages 8-19 months who are at risk for severe symptoms or complications should they contract RSV

RSV Symptoms 

RSV symptoms may last a week to 10 days and include:

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever

A child with RSV may also exhibit symptoms such as:

• Long pauses in breathing
• Irritability/inconsolable
• Lack of appetite or activity

Managing RSV at Home 

There are no anti-viral medications available to treat RSV. According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, most people with RSV can recover at home with:

• Over the counter pain medication
• Use of a humidifier
• Drinking fluids and staying hydrated
• Rest

RSV: When to Seek Emergency Care 

If you have RSV, seek immediate emergency care if:

• Symptoms worsen
• Breathing is difficult
• You have difficulty drinking enough fluids

If you have questions about your respiratory illness symptoms, testing or treatment, reach out to your primary care team. The clinical teams in all our clinics are educated and able to answer your questions and provide advisement. They are just a phone call away.