PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The so-called “tripledemic” — influenza, COVID-19 and RSV — is in full swing. The vast majority of symptoms among all three are the same. So one of the most common questions doctors get is “How do I tell which one I have?”
One potential difference is incubation time. RSV takes about four to six days to appear after exposure. COVID-19 takes about three to four. Flu, on the other hand, develops quite suddenly — about two days after exposure.
However, it is often hard to trace back to when exposure occurs.
The most important point is this: We don’t have to guess. You can be tested for all three.
And because they are all serious, it is better to know for certain and get rapid treatment if needed.
KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.