Is this Viral Hell COVID, RSV, or the Flu?
Case counts are at an all-time high. More children are being admitted to hospitals with the flu than at any time in the past decade. PLUS hospitals are way overcapacity.
There is a lot of uncertainty in the air. Which sickness do I/my child have? When should I go to the hospital? Is taking my child to the doctor just risking exposing them to more potential illnesses?
The problem is, a lot of resources right now are too focused on identifying the difference between these illnesses, rather than on prevention, care and emergency assessment.
If you're a generally healthy person debating "wait, is it COVID, RSV or the FLU" there are really just two overarching things to remember :
1) The best way to avoid the "what is this viral hell" question is to prevent yourself from entering viral hell. Meaning masking up, gathering in well-ventilated spaces, and getting your flu shot and a COVID booster.
2) And for those who, unfortunately, are already in that viral hell? Isolate from the people you live with. Rest. Drink fluids. Monitor symptoms. Take over-the-counter meds for cold/flu symptoms.
We've been doing this for literally years now. We know what works best to prevent respiratory illness: wear a mask, limit indoor gatherings, and get vaccinated!
Just because historically we haven't worn a mask for the cold season doesn't mean we shouldn't start now that it is more normal.
And if you're not going to do it for yourself, or your loved ones, then at least do it to help lessen the strain on the hospital system.
But if you or your kids get sick...
“I wouldn’t get hung up on needing to know [which specific virus they have],” ...“Instead, I’d encourage parents to be on the lookout for signs that indicate their kid needs to go to the hospital—a fever that goes on for four to five days, having a hard time breathing, being difficult to rouse and, more than anything, your parent-radar going off.”
For kids...
Visit a hospital IF they:
are having difficulty breathing or is in respiratory distress
are not drink fludis/are dehydrated
have a prolonged fever of 3/4+ days
are 'floppy' when held/won't hold eye contact
OR if you've got a gut feeling they need medical attention
Try at-home treatments (fluids, pain medication, rest) if they:
are drinking fluids/urinating normally
can focus when you're speaking despite being low energy/sleeping a lot
have a fever for a short period (even if high) - less than 2 days
For adults...
Contact your primary health care practioner if:
You are over 65, have a weakened immune system or a history of heart of lung disease
Visit a hospital IF you are demonstrating severe illness, such as:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Weakness. Lethargy or drowsiness
Dizziness
Otherwise, try at-home treatments (fluids, pain medication, rest)
And if you reeeally want to try and figure out what you might have, here's a comparison of symptoms:
And remember, the internet (yes, we're talking about us) isn't a doctor!
If you're fortunate enough to have a primary health care practitioner, they are often the best source of knowledge on you and your family's health. Contact your primary healthcare practitioner if you are concerned about your or your child's symptoms, or if you are in a high-risk group.
Don't have a primary health practitioner, or are they unavailable? You can contact a healthcare hotline in your area, such as 811 in Ontario, B.C., Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick
