Respiratory Viruses

	COVID-19	Influenza	Other respiratory viruses, including RSV
Cause	SARS-CoV-2 virus	Influenza A or Influenza B virus	Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Parainfluenza, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, Enterovirus.
*Symptoms (most common symptoms)**	Fever (occasionally) Chills Headache New loss of taste/smell Congestion* Sinus pressure Ear pressure Sore throat* Cough* Fatigue* Vomiting/diarrhea	Fever* (often 102–104 F) Significant chills* Significant body aches* Headache* Congestion Sinus pressure Ear pressure Sore throat Cough (dry)* Fatigue Vomiting/diarrhea (more common in children)	Mild fever (under 102 F) Mild chills Congestion* Sinus pressure* Ear pressure* Hoarse voice Sore throat* Cough (productive)* Fatigue / low energy
Treatment	Over-the-counter medications (available at SHS Dispensary): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) Guaifenesin for cough Phenylephrine or Nasal saline spray for congestion	Over-the-counter medications (available at SHS Dispensary): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) Guaifenesin for cough Phenylephrine or Nasal saline spray for congestion	Over-the-counter medications (available at SHS Dispensary): Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) Guaifenesin for cough Phenylephrine or Nasal saline spray for congestion
Antivirals	Prescription antivirals like Paxlovid for patients at risk of complications	Prescription antivirals like Oseltamivir for patients at risk of complications	No antivirals available for these conditions
Antibiotics	Antibiotics are not effective for viral illnesses	Antibiotics are not effective for viral illnesses	Antibiotics are not effective for viral illnesses
Typical Duration	5–10 days	5–7 days	7–10 days
Testing	Home rapid antigen test kits available on campus PCR testing available on campus through Curative Rapid molecular testing available with an appointment at Student Health	Rapid antigen testing available with an appointment at Student Health	Not routinely available
Vaccination	Primary COVID-19 vaccine recommended for everyone age 6 months and older COVID-19 bivalent booster recommended for everyone age 12+ Available at SHS (Call 302-831-2226, Option 1 to schedule)	Recommended every fall for everyone age six months and older Available at SHS (Call 302-831-2226, Option 1 to schedule, or register online	Not routinely available
At risk for complications	Immunocompromised conditions Obesity Diabetes Lung disease Heart disease Liver or kidney disease Cancer Pregnant Elderly	Diabetes Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Other respiratory diseases Liver or kidney disease Pregnant Infants and small children Elderly	Diabetes Asthma Cystic Fibrosis Other respiratory diseases Infants and small children Elderly
What should I do at home?	Obtain COVID-19 testing (home antigen test or on-campus PCR test) Upload positive test results to the UD Health Portal Upload COVID-19 vaccine/booster documentation Follow UD’s COVID-19 protocols Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications as above Rest Fluids Wear a mask while symptomatic Wash hands frequently Disinfect living space Follow isolation protocols	Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications as above Rest Fluids Wear a mask while symptomatic Wash hands frequently Disinfect living space	Treat symptoms with over-the-counter medications as above Rest Fluids Wear a mask while symptomatic Wash hands frequently Disinfect living space
When to seek medical care (SHS or Urgent Care)	Fever over 102 Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Leg swelling Confusion Significant symptoms Symptoms that are worsening or not significantly improved in 5–10 days	Fever over 102 Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Significant symptoms (severe pain with swallowing, severe cough, etc) Symptoms that are worsening or not significantly improved in 3–5 days	Fever over 102 Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Significant symptoms (severe pain with swallowing, severe cough, etc) Symptoms that are worsening or not significantly improved in 7–10 days