Symptoms & treatment

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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. 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

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

Rare — call 9113

  • Severe wheezing
  • Rapid breath or respiratory distress
  • Bluish skin or fingernails

Illness related to a COVID-19 infection can range from mild (like the common cold) to severe (like the flu), which can make it difficult to tell the difference.

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

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 cold symptoms to look out for:

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 influenza antiviral drugs can be used to treat the flu. But most people with the flu don’t need these medications. The flu usually goes away on its own within 7 to 10 days.

If you’re very sick or at high risk for flu complications, your doctor may recommend antiviral drugs. 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, because antibiotics don’t work for viruses. But sometimes adults or children get an ear infection or other bacterial infections with the flu. Antibiotics may be used 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. 

The flu usually goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days without the need for 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 high risk for flu complications, a doctor may recommend influenza antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs work best when started 1 to 2 days after flu symptoms begin. 

The flu usually goes away on its own in 7 to 10 days without the need for medical care. Stay home, avoid contact with others, and get plenty of rest and fluids. Use home remedies and over-the-counter medicines to treat symptoms such as fever, sore throat, congestion, and cough. 
Children with the flu usually get better in 7 to 10 days without the need for 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. 

 

 
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Home treatment

Most flu symptoms can be handled with home remedies. Learn what you can do to treat the flu 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 worsen, you may need medical care. Learn what to look out for.

Mom 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.

Need help?

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 is experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. 
3See note 1.