Symptoms & treatment

Person wrapped in blanket and looking at a pill bottle
Getting sick is no fun. Learn how to recognize common symptoms and find out how to feel better when you’re under the weather.
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Call 911 if you have a medical emergency.1

Is it the flu, RSV, COVID-19, or just a cold?

Flu symptoms are usually more severe than cold symptoms and tend to come on suddenly. Flu-related illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may require hospitalization. Here are flu symptoms to look out for:

Most common

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle and body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue

Less common

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

To learn more about flu symptoms, visit our health encyclopedia.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) symptoms are usually mild and appear within 4 to 6 days after infection. In some cases, RSV can develop into a more severe illness like pneumonia. Very young children and older adults are more likely to develop life-threatening symptoms.

More common

  • Congested or runny nose
  • Decreased appetite
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever
  • Moderate wheezing

Less common — call your doctor2

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Refusal to drink liquids, breastfeed, or chestfeed
  • Decreased number of wet diapers

Rare — call 9113

  • Severe wheezing
  • Rapid or labored breathing
  • Bluish skin or fingernails

Symptoms of a COVID-19 infection can range from mild (like the common cold) to severe (like the flu). This can make it difficult to tell what virus is making you ill.

However, there are some common and uncommon COVID-19 symptoms to keep an eye out for:

Most common

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Less common

  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain

Looking for more information on COVID-19? Visit kp.org/coronavirus.

Colds are less serious than the flu and typically come on gradually. They also generally don’t result in serious health problems or complications. Here are common and uncommon cold symptoms:

Most common

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing

Less common

  • Cough
  • Fatigue

Rare

  • Fevers over 100 degrees
  • Headaches.  
Still unsure? Start with a home antigen test to find out whether you have COVID-19. Click here to order at-home tests.   

Flu treatment

Prescription medications called antiviral drugs can be used to treat the flu. But most people with the flu don’t need these. You should recover from the flu on your own within 7 to 10 days.

If you’re very sick or at high risk for flu complications, your doctor may recommend antiviral drugs. Flu antiviral drugs work best when started 1 to 2 days after your flu symptoms begin.

Your doctor won’t prescribe an antibiotic for the flu. Antibiotics don’t work for viruses. But sometimes people get bacterial infections, like ear infections, along with the flu. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in these cases.

You can take other steps to feel better while recovering at home. Learn more about home treatments and over-the-counter medicines for adults and children with the flu. 

Most people recover from the flu in 7 to 10 days without needing medical care. Stay home, avoid contact with others, and get plenty of rest and fluids. Learn more about home treatments and over-the-counter medicines for adults and children with the flu.

If a child or adult has severe flu or is at high risk for flu complications, a doctor may recommend antiviral drugs. Flu antiviral drugs work best when started 1 to 2 days after flu symptoms begin. 

Most people recover from the flu in 7 to 10 days without needing medical care. Stay home, avoid contact with others, and get plenty of rest and fluids. You can use self-care measures and over-the-counter medicines to treat fever, sore throat, congestion, and cough. 
Children with the flu usually get better in 7 to 10 days without needing medical care. Keep them home and away from others and encourage them to get plenty of rest and fluids. Learn more about home treatment for a child with the flu — and when you should call for help. 
Person sleeping in bed

Home treatment

Simple things can help you feel better when you have the flu. Learn what you can do to treat your symptoms from the comfort of home.

Doctor talking to patient

When to see a doctor

Most people who get the flu don’t need to see a doctor. But if certain symptoms get worse, you may need medical care. Learn what to look out for.

Parent checking child’s fever

Caring for kids with the flu

When your child is sick, you’ll do anything to help them feel better. Find helpful home remedies and kid-friendly medications.

Footnotes

1If you believe you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. For the complete definition of an emergency medical condition, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or other coverage documents. 
2If your child has these symptoms, schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. 
3See note 1.