Did you know that flu-like symptoms can be caused by a variety of viruses, not just the influenza virus? While the flu is a common illness, other viruses can cause similar symptoms and make it difficult to determine what you’re dealing with.

Understanding the symptoms of different viruses can help you identify what you’re dealing with and take the appropriate steps to recover.

What is the Flu?

The flu, also known as influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Symptoms of the flu include:.

Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Vomiting and diarrhea (although this is more common in children than adults)

If you have the flu, the symptoms will typically come on suddenly and can be quite severe.

While most people recover from the flu within a week or two, some people can develop complications such as pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization or even death.

Other Viruses That Can Cause Flu-Like Symptoms

While the flu is a common illness during the winter months, there are other viruses that can cause similar symptoms. These include:.

Common Cold

The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Symptoms of a cold include:.

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Sneezing
Fatigue (tiredness)
Headaches
Muscle aches
Mild fever (although this is more common in children than adults)

Colds are usually milder than the flu and don’t typically lead to complications like pneumonia.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause cold-like symptoms in adults and older children, but can be more serious in babies and young children. Symptoms of RSV include:.

Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Fever
Earache
Wheezing
Rapid breathing

Most people recover from RSV within a week or two, but severe cases can lead to hospitalization, particularly in babies and young children.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary from mild to severe, and can include:.

Headache
Cough
Fever or chills
Fatigue (tiredness)
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Muscle or body aches
Breathing difficulties

COVID-19 is highly contagious and can be spread by people who don’t have symptoms. While most people with COVID-19 recover without needing special treatment, some people can become very ill and require hospitalization.

Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus. Most people with the flu or other respiratory illnesses can recover at home without needing medical treatment.

However, there are times when you should see a doctor:.

If you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
If you experience chest pain or pressure
If you have a high fever (above 102°F or 39°C)
If your symptoms are not improving after a few days
If you have a weakened immune system
If you are pregnant or have a chronic medical condition

If you have been exposed to someone with flu-like symptoms or COVID-19, you should contact your doctor for advice on what to do.

How to Treat Flu-Like Symptoms

If you have flu-like symptoms, there are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms and feel better:.

Rest: Get plenty of sleep and rest to help your body fight off the virus.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, and broth, to prevent dehydration.
Treat fever: You can take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever and relieve pain.
Relieve congestion: You can use saline nasal drops or a humidifier to help relieve nasal congestion.
Soothe your throat: Sucking on lozenges or gargling with salt water can help relieve sore throat.

It’s important to remember that antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like the flu or colds. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections.

Preventing the Spread of Viruses

The best way to prevent the spread of viruses like the flu or COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene:.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue immediately.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops.
Wear a mask when you’re in public to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself and others from the spread of viruses.

Conclusion

Flu-like symptoms can be caused by a variety of viruses, not just the flu. Understanding the symptoms of different viruses can help you identify what you’re dealing with and take the appropriate steps to recover.

If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, stay home and rest, and take steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others. If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve after a few days, contact your doctor for advice.