Do I have COVID, flu or RSV in Washington? How to identify symptoms
If you feel a cough coming on in the next few weeks or months, you won’t be alone.
Respiratory illness activity typically begins to ramp up in the fall and winter.
And that tickle in your throat — or that fever or congestion — might leave you wondering: which crud in particular did I catch?
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV all circulate in Washington, and they have some things in common.
Here’s a primer on the different illnesses and their symptoms:
How can I tell if I have the flu?
Flu is a respiratory illness that’s caused by flu viruses, and “most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC.
The flu “can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death,” per the CDC, which noted that some groups are at greater risk for serious complications, including young kids, seniors, pregnant people and people with certain chronic conditions.
Flu can be contagious before symptoms start, the CDC said.
Here are some common flu symptoms, per the CDC:
- Fever or feeling chills or feverish
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Stuffed up or runny nose
- Aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes symptoms, although more commonly in kids
What are symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and “from what we know, COVID-19 spreads more easily than flu,” the CDC said.
“Compared with flu, COVID-19 can cause more severe illness in some people,” and it also can “take longer to show symptoms and may be contagious for longer periods of time,” according to the CDC.
It’s not possible to distinguish between COVID-19 and the flu solely by symptoms because they’re similar, the CDC said, noting that “testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.”
Some people are at greater risk for serious complications from COVID-19, including older adults, people who are immunocompromised and people with underlying medical conditions, according to the CDC.
Here are some of the possible COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC said:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Being short of breath or having trouble breathing
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffed up nose
- Newly losing taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Body or muscle aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, “infects the nose, throat, and lungs,” the CDC said.
It spreads through sneezes and coughs, direct contact with a sick person, and touching an infected surface, such as a doorknob, according to the agency.
“People with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness,” according to the CDC.
Most people don’t become seriously ill, though some people, “especially infants younger than 6 months of age and adults who are older or have certain risk factors, can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized,” the agency said.
Here are common RSV symptoms, according to the CDC:
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Drop in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- In babies, symptoms may be limited to irritability, drop in activity and trouble breathing
What are tips for avoiding respiratory illnesses?
Experts say staying updated on the recommended immunizations helps keep respiratory illness at bay or avoid serious sickness. In Washington, officials recommend people 6 months and older get flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
RSV immunizations are recommended for infants and some young kids, pregnant people and older adults.
Other preventive steps, according to the CDC, include:
- Washing your hands and keeping commonly-touched surfaces clean
- Taking steps to make your air cleaner, including opening up windows and doors and using exhaust fans
- Staying home when you’re sick
- Get medical care if you’re at risk for severe illness
Can I get flu and COVID vaccines at the same time?
It’s fine to get your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination on the same day or even during the same visit to your doctor or provider, the Washington State Department of Health’s Office of Immunization previously told The Olympian.
This story was originally published October 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Do I have COVID, flu or RSV in Washington? How to identify symptoms."
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