Abstract
You wake with a sore throat and realise you are sick. Is this going to be a two-day or a two-week illness? Should you go to a doctor or just go to bed?
Most respiratory illnesses have very similar symptoms at the start: sore throat, congested or runny nose, headache, fatigue and fever. This may progress to a dry cough.
Best case scenario is that you have “a cold” (which can be any one of hundreds of viruses, most commonly rhinovirus), which is short-lived and self-limiting.
But some respiratory illnesses can be much more serious. Here is a brief guide to some important bugs to know about that are circulating this winter, and how to work out which one you have.
Most respiratory illnesses have very similar symptoms at the start: sore throat, congested or runny nose, headache, fatigue and fever. This may progress to a dry cough.
Best case scenario is that you have “a cold” (which can be any one of hundreds of viruses, most commonly rhinovirus), which is short-lived and self-limiting.
But some respiratory illnesses can be much more serious. Here is a brief guide to some important bugs to know about that are circulating this winter, and how to work out which one you have.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | The Conversation |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Jul 2024 |