Respiratory Viruses: Colds, Flu, Covid, and RSV

Chart lists how symptoms like aches, fatigue, fever differ for different conditions

Susan Quinn is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner and Director of Health and Counseling services at Nazareth. She shares this guidance.

College campuses are cold “hot zones”!

Most of us typically get one or two viral respiratory illnesses per year. College campuses are a “hot zone” of respiratory viruses due to the vast numbers of ill students in close proximity to one another. It’s important to know how to prevent illness, and also how to recognize symptoms, and know what to do if you develop symptoms of a “cold” or more serious viral illness. 

How can I prevent a respiratory illness? 

The CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies. These are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

Why do I have a runny nose, sore throat, and cough?

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) or "colds" are caused by more than 200 viruses. It's extremely easy to “catch” a cold. Colds come from rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, echo viruses, parainfluenza viruses, and coxsackie viruses (hand,foot,mouth disease). More serious illness may develop from coronaviruses (COVID), influenza viruses (flu A/H1N1 and flu B), and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV).

During the Fall and Winter seasons, COVID-19, flu, and RSV are very common respiratory viruses that can cause significant amounts of disease. 

Symptoms

A typical cold virus starts with a mild sore throat rapidly followed by nasal congestion, possible low grade fever, and finally coughing. The nasal discharge may start as clear mucus, but rapidly become thicker and colored over time. Symptoms of a cold usually last 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms of a cold may include:

  • nasal congestion ("runny nose")
  • sore throat
  • cough
  • low-grade fever (100.4 or less)
  • fatigue
  • ear fullness
  • swollen glands

Will antibiotics help a viral upper respiratory illness?

No. Most upper respiratory infections are viral, so antibiotics won’t make you feel better faster. Your immune system is your best resource for getting better. Antibiotics can make things worse if you take them when you don’t need to. Your immune system is how your body fights illness. Supporting your immune system is the most important way to get you feeling better.

Antibiotics, when taken for viral infections:

  • Don’t help.
  • Kill beneficial bacteria leading to yeast infections and intestinal infections, destabilizing the gut microbiome.
  • Cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics. When you are sick with a bacterial infection, antibiotics may not be effective.
  • May cause side effects or allergic reactions (rash, vomiting and diarrhea).

Do you need an appointment?

Call Health and Counseling at 585-389-2500 for advice about scheduling an appointment if:

  • Symptoms are more severe, or worsening even with over-the-counter medications
  • Temperature over 101.0 degrees, that does not resolve
  • Severe headache
  • Increased facial swelling
  • Very large neck glands
  • Painful joints
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty swallowing own saliva
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Persistent greenish nasal discharge 

After-Hours information

Please visit our After-Hours page for more information when the office is closed.

For life-threatening matters:

  • Call Campus Safety 585-389-2850, if you live on campus.
  • If you live off-campus, dial 911.

Get a COVID test

It's important to test for COVID-19 when you have cold-like symptoms, so that if you test positive you can reduce spread of the virus. Rapid tests can be purchased at a local pharmacy (e.g. Wegmans, CVS, Walgreens, and others). 

Limited testing is offered at Health and Counseling by appointment, for students with more significant/worrisome symptoms, especially those with underlying medical conditions who warrant a medical visit with a provider. (Routine, asymptomatic, walk-in testing has ended.) 

How to care for respiratory symptoms at home: 

  • Stay hydrated. Clear fluids, like warm broth and sports drinks, are especially good because they replace minerals your body needs that are lost through fever and sweat. Drink at least 64 ounces of water, juice, soup, or tea each day. This helps prevent dehydration. Do NOT drink alcohol. It contributes to dehydration and can interact with medications.
  • Support your immune system by eating nutritious foods. Eating protein regularly, such as nuts, seeds, meat, fish, eggs and cheese helps your immune system, as well as fruits and veggies which contain many illness-fighting antioxidants.
  • Get rest. Your body needs energy to heal. Try going to bed early so you can get better and keep up with your academic requirements. If you miss a class, be sure to communicate with your instructors.
  • Inhale moist air, use saline nasal spray, take steamy showers. This helps loosen secretions.
  • Gargle frequently to soothe a sore throat or calm a cough. Mix approximately 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Gargling helps reduce swelling, relieves pain, and helps wash away secretions in the back of the throat. Throat lozenges can also help.
  • Vitamins and supplements. Many people feel that Zicam, Airborne, vitamin C, zinc, and Echinacea help them avoid or treat illness. Some limited studies prove effectiveness, other studies do not.
  • Non-prescription cold and cough medications and pain relievers don’t ‘cure’ you, but they can decrease symptoms so you are more productive during the day and can sleep better at night. Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) reduce fever and relieve pain.
  • Flonase (Fluticasone) nasal spray reduces nasal inflammation and post-nasal drip (2 sprays in each nostril twice daily during a cold).
  • Mucinex can be taken to thin mucous secretions.
  • Nyquil may help reduce cold symptoms so you can sleep at night. .
  • Many over the counter cold and flu medications contain a combination of different medicines. Read the ingredients to make sure that you are not “doubling up” on the amount of medication you should be taking. If you have any questions, ask the pharmacist.
  • Avoid alcohol and other drugs, including smoking and vaping.

Keep it to yourself

  • Viral secretions from a cough, sneeze, or even hand-to-hand contact enter your body through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). Easy ways to spread the virus include touching hands, kissing, opening doors, working-out at the gym, sharing phones/food/drinks, handling money, or being near an ill student in class, on the bus, or at a bar/party.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Cough or sneeze in your sleeve or tissue. Throw out the tissue.
  • Wash your hands with warm water and soap or use alcohol-based sanitizers. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of many illnesses, including colds. Carry hand sanitizer in your book bag.

Be patient

With the above measures, many folks can successfully treat mild respiratory symptoms at home. Be patient, as it might take a few days to feel better. If your symptoms are more severe, or are not improving please contact Health and Counseling Services at 585-389-2500 or email us at health@naz.edu if you have any questions.