Norton health expert breaks down differences between COVID-19, RSV and Flu

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's the time of year for the sniffles, and sometimes it's hard to tell whether they're caused by allergies, COVID-19, RSV, the Flu or just a common cold.

Dr. Monalisa Tailor with the Norton Medical Group joined WDRB Mornings on Thursday to break down the differences.

"A lot of these symptoms do overlap," Tailor said. "So when it comes to allergies, we're nearing the end of the ragweed season with our outdoor allergens. When November rolls around, we'll be seeing more indoor allergens as well. So allergies tend to cause more runny nose symptoms, itchy eyes, maybe some stuffy noses as well. And people will typically tell me 'I always get an infection this time of the year.' So if it's something along those lines, it's probably allergies."

Tailor said things get more complicated when it comes to COVID-19 and influenza symptoms.

Now, when it comes to like colds and flu and COVId-19, this is where it becomes more complicated.

"Flu makes you sick fast," Tailor said. "You get sick within the first one to two days. You're gonna have fevers. You're gonna have muscle aches. You're gonna have a coughs and you want to lie down because you're feeling so tired from what the virus does to your body. So you're gonna know pretty quick if you're sick with that."

With COVID-19, Tailor said "symptoms start about three to four days in. And I know we're all familiar with the fever, the fatigue. There's muscle aches there too (and) loss of smell, loss of taste.

"Now, the interesting part has been there have been so many versions of the virus that you might see more sore throat, sneezing with this. You might have some nausea, diarhea as well. Shortness of breath for folks who haven't gotten a new vaccine lately. You may have that shortness of breath again. And those symptoms will be around day four."

When should you stay home?

"If you're not feeling good, stay home," Tailor said. "If you can't stay home, wear a mask and keep your hands clean. Avoid touching your face, because that's the way viruses are spread."