Stay Healthy This Season: Expert Tips to Prevent Respiratory Viruses

As flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continue to circulate this respiratory disease season, it can be difficult to tell them apart, says Noor Khurana, D.O., a family medicine physician at Baptist Health South Florida. Each virus shares overlapping symptoms — such as fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat and body aches — but understanding the subtle differences can help people know when to seek care.

Khurana explains that influenza tends to come on suddenly with a high fever and more severe muscle and body aches — patients often feel “hit all at once.” COVID-19, on the other hand, develops more gradually and may include unique symptoms like loss of taste or smell and gastrointestinal upset. New variants can also bring new or changing symptoms. RSV most often affects infants and older adults, typically causing breathing problems such as wheezing, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, along with decreased appetite or feeding difficulties in young children. Because RSV symptoms can worsen quickly, Khurana urges parents and caregivers to monitor these signs closely.

When it comes to prevention, hand hygiene remains the most effective defense. “Be religious about washing your hands,” Khurana says. When soap isn’t available, hand sanitizer works well. She also encourages people to avoid touching their face, wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces (such as grocery stores, airports or airplanes), and stay home when sick. Covering coughs and sneezes, using tissues and ensuring good ventilation in shared spaces can further reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

This year’s flu season is expected to be similar to last year’s, while COVID-19 continues to evolve with new variants. Khurana strongly recommends that everyone stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and that eligible adults and young children receive the RSV vaccine. She emphasizes that vaccines remain our best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and complications.

People should seek medical care immediately if they experience high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or trouble staying hydrated. High-risk groups — including infants, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease — should be especially cautious. For infants, warning signs such as bluish lips, rapid breathing, poor feeding or reduced urine output are red flags that require prompt attention. Don’t assume that it’s just a cold, Khurana warns. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, see a doctor right away.