Signs & Symptoms of Respiratory Viruses

It is difficult to differentiate clinically between the various respiratory viruses. Signs and symptoms of infections could be non-specific. The use of the Interact STOP and WATCH tool might be helpful. Signs and symptoms of respiratory infections could include the following: 

• Fever or feeling feverish/having chills

• Cough

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle pain or body aches

• Headache

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea (more frequent in children with flu, but can occur in any age with COVID-19)

• change in or loss of taste or smell, although this is more frequent with COVID-19

*Note that older adults and other long-term care residents, including those who are medically fragile and those with neurological or neurocognitive conditions, may manifest atypical signs and symptoms of influenza virus infection (e.g., behavior change), and may not have fever (https://academic.oup.com/cid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/cid/ciy866/5251935).

Monitor for clusters of respiratory infections for early interventions (e.g., infection control, testing, prophylaxis) to prevent further spread. 

Anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should receive a viral test for SARS-CoV-2 as soon as possible. Even if it’s not influenza season, influenza testing should occur when any resident has signs and symptoms that could be due to influenza, and especially when two residents or more develop respiratory illness within 72 hours of each other. If RSV is circulating, also test for RSV (many labs commonly have combined PCR testing for RSV and influenza viruses).  See Respiratory Viral Testing and Isolation Recommendations for Symptomatic Resident with No Known Exposures to COVID-19 When other Viruses are Circulating.