Respiratory Infections Can Look Similar. Testing Can Provide Clarity.
Respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza A and B viruses can produce similar symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and nasal congestion. During periods when multiple respiratory viruses are circulating simultaneously, symptoms alone may not be sufficient to distinguish between different infections.
Influenza and RSV can cause significant illness, particularly among infants, young children, older adults, and other vulnerable populations, while COVID-19 continues to contribute to the global burden of respiratory disease. Because different respiratory pathogens may require different approaches to clinical management and infection control, timely testing can provide useful information to support appropriate next steps.
For individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms, access to convenient and reliable testing can help provide additional information about the potential cause of illness and support communication with healthcare professionals when further medical advice is needed.
