5 respiratory symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

(NC) As the weather cools, Canadians prepare for cold and flu season. But other respiratory illnesses circulate too; across Canada, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases usually start to rise in late fall, and can stay high through to early spring.

RSV can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu because the early symptoms of all three illnesses often look similar. Just going by the symptoms alone, which can include fever, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat, often isn’t enough to reliably tell RSV from other respiratory infections.

Knowing what to watch for can help you recognize symptoms commonly seen with RSV, especially when they worsen or occur together. Here are five RSV-associated symptoms to pay attention to:

1. A persistent cough
   Coughing is a common respiratory symptom. But if it lingers or gets worse, especially alongside other symptoms, pay closer attention to how you’re feeling overall.
2. Fever
   A persistent or high fever, especially when it’s accompanied by other worsening symptoms, may be a reason to have a conversation with your healthcare provider.
3. Unusual or worsening fatigue
   Feeling tired is common when you’re unwell, but significant or worsening fatigue can signal that your body is dealing with more than a minor illness.
4. Shortness of breath
   Unlike typical cold symptoms, shortness of breath is a serious concern. It’s important not to ignore new or worsening shortness of breath, especially if you have any existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
5. Wheezing
   Wheezing is another symptom commonly associated with RSV. If you’re living with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a respiratory infection may also aggravate any existing breathing problems.

RSV is different from a cold or influenza, but the symptoms can overlap, making it tougher to tell which one is making you feel unwell. If your symptoms are getting worse, or you’re concerned about how a respiratory illness is affecting you, you can speak with your healthcare provider to get a better understanding.