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Going viral isn’t always a good thing.
Testing is the best (and only) way to definitively know which virus you have.
How Are the Symptoms Different?
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For example:
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
The exception is when you develop severe cases of these infections or experience complications.
How Are They Diagnosed?
However, testing is required to confirm a diagnosis, and each virus has its own test.
Confirmatory testing uses a nasal swab to identify the virus.
Some newer combination tests can differentiate among COVID, RSV, and flu A or B.
Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infectionsjust bacterial infectionsand should not be used to treatflu,COVID, orRSV.
The antiviral medications listed below are only available by prescription from your healthcare provider.
Each of these infections, however, has the potential to become severe.
Each virus has specific tests and treatments.
you could test for each infection at home or at a healthcare facility.
If needed, a healthcare provider can prescribe antiviral medications.
They may also recommend supportive care at home to manage your symptoms.
See a healthcare provider if you are not getting betteror becoming sickerafter about a week.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and care of RSV.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diagnostic testing for RSV.
USA.gov.COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Overview of influenza testing methods.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA authorizes first over-the-counter at-home test to detect both influenza and COVID-19 viruses.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Influenza (flu) antiviral drugs and related information.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.What are the possible treatment options for COVID-19?
Bonneux B, Jacoby E, Ceconi M, et al.Direct-acting antivirals for RSV treatment, a review.Antiviral Research.
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