What Happens if You Get Both COVID and Flu (or RSV) at Once?

Coinfection with COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is possible and can lead to severe illness, requiring hospitalization and even death.

While co-infections with different respiratory viruses are not uncommon, the combination of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV has raised concerns due to their ability to cause severe respiratory illness and strain healthcare systems.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV overlap, making it difficult to differentiate between them solely based on symptoms. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache.

Risk Factors:

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing severe illness or complications from coinfection with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. These include:

- Older adults

- People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, etc.)

- Pregnant women

- Immunocompromised individuals

- Young children

Prevention:

To reduce the risk of coinfection with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, it's important to follow recommended preventive measures, including:

- Getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (when available)

- Wearing a well-fitting mask, particularly in crowded or indoor settings

- Practicing social distancing

- Washing hands frequently

- Avoiding touching the face

- Staying home if feeling sick

Treatment:

Treatment for coinfection with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV is supportive and focuses on managing symptoms and providing respiratory support if necessary. Specific antiviral treatments may be recommended depending on the viruses involved.

The best way to protect yourself from coinfection with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV is to practice preventive measures and get vaccinated against each virus.