Coronavirus and RSV virus: Let's know the exact difference between the two?

With the cough and cold that we're getting these days, do you also think, "Oh, what have I got?"? It's hard to know for sure whether it's a common cold, coronavirus (COVID-19), or this new RSV virus, isn't it? Because the symptoms of all of these are very similar. Although these respiratory diseases are especially common in the fall and winter, we can actually get them at any time of the year. So today, let's talk about these two viruses, Coronavirus and RSV, their similarities and differences, and how we can protect ourselves from them.

What are Coronavirus and RSV?

Simply put, these are both types of viruses that affect our respiratory system, that is, areas like the nose, throat, and lungs.

Coronavirus is actually a general name for a group of viruses. Viruses in this group have infected people before. The COVID-19 disease we all know is caused by the latest member of this coronavirus family, the virus `(SARS-CoV-2)`. Although it can affect people of any age, some people are more likely to get it. Some people can be infected and not show any symptoms. Some people who get COVID-19 can develop a condition called "Long COVID" . This means that various symptoms (such as fatigue, difficulty breathing) continue for months after the virus has cleared from the body.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is another respiratory virus. It belongs to a group of viruses called `(pneumoviruses)`. It can affect anyone of any age, but it is most common in young children and infants under 2 years of age . In fact, almost every child in the world is infected with RSV at least once before the age of two. Although it usually resolves itself, it can be more severe in some children, especially infants under 6 months of age and premature babies.

How do you distinguish between the two based on symptoms?

The symptoms of both are very similar, so it's hard to tell which one is which just by looking at the symptoms. But there are some slight differences.

If RSV infection becomes severe, it can lead to conditions like `Bronchiolitis` (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and `Pneumonia` (lung infection/pneumonia).

Who is most at risk?

Although both viruses can affect anyone, some people are at higher risk of developing serious complications.

Those at higher risk for COVID-19:

• Older people
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer patients, organ transplant recipients)
• People with other chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and lung disease

Those at higher risk for RSV include:

• Babies under 6 months old
• Premature babies
• Children under 2 years of age with congenital heart or lung diseases
• Children with weak immunity
• Adults over 65, especially those with heart or lung disease

How do you know exactly what this disease is?

You may be wondering, "So how do you know for sure?" Actually, the only way to accurately diagnose the disease is to get tested.

There are now home tests for COVID-19. Additionally, there are some tests that can detect all three—COVID, RSV, and Influenza (flu)—in a single test.

When you visit your doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs, and perform the following tests, if necessary:

• A nasal or throat swab
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• A test that measures the oxygen level in the blood (Pulse oximetry)

How is it treated and managed?

In most cases, both COVID and RSV are treated by controlling symptoms and providing relief. This is called "supportive care."

• Rest: It is very important to get enough rest.
• Fluids: Drink plenty of water, porridge, and fruit juice to keep your body hydrated.
• For fever and pain: You can take painkillers such as paracetamol as directed by your doctor.
• For stuffy nose: Saline drops can be put in the nose.

The most important thing:

For COVID-19, there are antiviral medicines that can be given in the early days of symptoms. However, these should only be taken on medical advice.

There is currently no approved antiviral medication for RSV.

How to protect yourself from these diseases?

"It is better to prevent illness than to suffer from it," they say. So let's see how to protect ourselves from these.

1. Vaccination: This is the most important thing. Getting an approved vaccine for COVID-19 can help prevent the disease from getting worse. There is also now a vaccine for RSV. This is especially recommended for people over 60 and pregnant women. When the mother gets this vaccine during pregnancy, the baby is also protected for the first few months.

2. Antibody Treatment: There is a special antibody vaccine that is given to newborns and young children at risk to protect them from RSV. Talk to your doctor about this to learn more.

3. Cleanliness:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Stop touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with your hands.
• Tell everyone in the house to use their elbow when coughing or sneezing, if they don't have a tissue.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, counters, toys) with disinfectant.

When should you seek immediate medical advice?

Although these conditions often resolve on their own, in some cases the condition can become severe. If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

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