Knowing Your Seasonal Illnesses

Oct 29

As the winter months roll in and the temperature outside drops, cases of respiratory illnesses increase. Knowing the symptoms and taking the necessary next steps is crucial to avoid complications and get you back on the road to health.

If you believe that you are suffering from a respiratory illness, schedule an appointment with a medical professional to discuss the necessary next steps and treatment options.

The Difference Between Flu and COVID-19

COVID-19, caused by coronavirus, presents a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The main symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, headache, nasal congestion or runny nose, muscle or body aches, and a sore throat. The most effective ways to combat COVID-19 are avoiding touching your hands, nose, and mouth, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and getting vaccinated and boosted when eligible.

The Flu and COVID-19 share many similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to differentiate between the two. We have developed an online quiz to help you better understand what you may have and help you know the appropriate actions to take. This quiz will let you know your risk level and if you need to take a COVID-19 test.

Influenza or the Common Cold

Influenza, better known as the flu, is a severe viral infection that can lead to serious health complications. The flu and common cold share many symptoms, including a fever, feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, or fatigue. However, flu symptoms typically present more severely than the common cold. It’s also more common to experience a runny or stuffy nose with the common cold. If you feel like you might be suffering from the flu, schedule an appointment with your doctor to confirm and discuss the best course of action moving forward.

RSV, Protecting the Most Vulnerable

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in some cases, the virus can be severe, particularly for infants, elders, and people with heart and lung diseases. RSV could lead to serious lung infections and even hospitalization. Prevention is centered on hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Flu shots, the RSV vaccine, and COVID vaccines and booster shots are available at doctor’s offices, health clinics, national pharmacies, and other locations. Some places will allow walk-ins while others only accept patients who have scheduled an appointment ahead of time. If you are looking to schedule an appointment en Wichita, KS, ¡HealthCore Clinic can help! Our staff is highly experienced in administering vaccines and can answer any questions you may have about potential or current illnesses. 

Protect your family against respiratory illness by scheduling an appointment with a member of the HealthCore Clinic team today.