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A winter crackdown on respiratory viruses is underway. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to register. Rising levels Hospitalizations related to Covid-19 are also on the rise, as are hospitalizations for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV.
Many sick people are reporting that their symptoms last for more than a week, and for some it lasts up to two weeks. Is this normal? What should you expect about the length of viral respiratory illnesses? When should you contact your doctor for further testing? And what other steps can you take to recover? For example, is it appropriate to work, go to school, or exercise?
To address these questions, I spoke with CNN security expert Dr. Leanna Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milk Institute School of Public Health. She was previously Baltimore’s health commissioner.
CNN: Many of us have friends and colleagues who are experiencing weeks of virus symptoms. Is this normal?
Dr. A.S. Liana Wen: There are three issues to consider here. First, let’s discuss how long symptoms last for some common illnesses. For the common cold, symptoms are at their peak in the first few days after onset. However, some symptoms, especially runny nose or stuffy nose or cough, can last up to 14 days. According to the CDC.
Similarly, although people who get the flu usually get better in seven days, some may have symptoms that last more than two weeks. And the same goes for RSV, coronavirus, and other viruses. Most symptoms are generally at their peak in the first week, and most people get better within two weeks, but it is not uncommon for some people’s recovery to take longer.
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A cough with the flu can last up to two weeks, the CDC says, but some people with a viral illness may have a cough that lasts for several weeks.
Second, it is not unusual for some specific symptoms to persist even after others have resolved. For example, some people may have a persistent cough that lasts for several weeks, while others may have symptoms such as body aches and fever that disappear within a few days.
This is especially true for people with chronic lung disease, as the virus can make that condition worse. A person with asthma, for example, may need to use more in the weeks or months after an infection. Then there are conditions like post-virus Long covidAssociated with persistent symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. These symptoms can last for several months or longer.
Third, a person who thinks they have a chronic viral illness may actually be experiencing multiple rounds of viral infections. For example, children in school and kindergarten may have one viral illness that starts to resolve when they catch another. In fact, you may be infected with more than one virus at a time. What appears to be a long recovery may be multiple overlapping viruses.
CNN: When should people decide to get more medical care?
Wen: First and foremost, how old is the person and what are their pre-existing medical conditions? People at the extremes of age – newborns and the elderly – are more susceptible to viral infections. Those with chronic medical conditions such as heart and lung disease and those with compromised immune systems are also at greater risk.
These people should get more medical help as soon as possible. Ideally, they should have a plan in advance with their primary caregiver about what symptoms should prompt them to seek care. Everyone should know how to contact the service provider after hours and if this is not possible, make a plan for which emergency room or urgent care to go to if necessary.
Another factor is whether an investigation has been conducted. You already know Which virus Is it the cause of your symptoms? Some people may have tested positive for Covid-19 and started antiviral treatment. Have you also received a chest x-ray? Getting an additional test is one reason for seeking medical care, and someone who has just had the test may not need it again soon. Still, they should talk to their healthcare provider to be sure, especially if you’re in a vulnerable group.
The third key factor is the timing and progression of your symptoms. If it’s been 10 days but your symptoms are getting better, it’s a different story than if it’s been more than two weeks and now you have new or worse symptoms. Symptoms that require immediate care include shortness of breath, chest pain, and inability to retain fluids.
Also, if your symptoms improve but get worse again, you may have a second, different infection. If you are eligible for antiviral treatment, consider talking to your doctor to see if you can be tested for the flu or Covid-19. You may also have something other than a viral respiratory infection. Some people who first have a viral infection may then develop a bacterial infection.
Or maybe your symptoms are due to something other than an infection. The fatigue you’re experiencing could be a sign of anemia or a thyroid disorder, for example. The last thing to consider is to listen to your body. Your doctor is the expert when it comes to medicine, but you are the expert when it comes to yourself. You know your body better. If something doesn’t feel right, that’s another reason to seek care sooner rather than later.
CNN: What should you expect when you see your doctor, and what questions should you ask?
Wen: Your doctor can schedule an appointment with you in person or through a virtual appointment. They’ll ask you about your symptoms, so be sure to bring a detailed description of how you’ve been feeling and how your symptoms have changed — or not — over time. Describe what treatments you have tried and found to be helpful. Be sure to mention the specific sign that applies to you.
You may be advised to have additional tests, such as viral tests, blood tests, or a chest X-ray. Questions to ask include what these tests are intended to show and what to do if the tests are negative. Should you continue supportive care, such as fluids and antipyretics? Are there other tests your doctor is considering? If exams are not recommended at this time, when might they be in the future?
CNN: What other steps can you take to recover? For example, is it appropriate to work, go to school, or exercise?
Wen: Most viral infections are self-limiting, meaning they go away on their own without specific treatment. How people recover depends largely on what they have done in the past and what their current situation is. Some people need a lot of rest. Others prefer to keep busy and do light exercise. All of these are generally reasonable options, and people should discuss their individual circumstances with their healthcare provider.