More Rhode Islanders may be coughing, sneezing and sniffling as autumn settles in. But what's making everyone sick? A cold, the flu, COVID-19 or RSV?
It could be any of them. These respiratory illnesses share many symptoms, making it difficult to tell them apart. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says acute respiratory illness activity remains low nationally but is beginning to pick up as fall activities bring people together.
Wastewater surveillance data for Rhode Island shows:
The latest available data is from Sept. 26. The CDC normally updates the figures weekly, but a new testing contract covering more than 200 sampling sites temporarily interrupted reporting.
Here's what Rhode Islanders should know about these illnesses, when to seek medical care and how to avoid passing them along.
Rhinoviruses are the leading cause of the common cold, and they're especially active in early fall and spring.
Most infections are mild, causing runny noses, congestion, coughing, sneezing and sore throats. Symptoms typically clear up within a week but can linger for two weeks.
But colds can cause complications. Rhinoviruses are a leading trigger of asthma attacks and can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections and ear infections. People with asthma, weakened immune systems or other underlying health conditions face a greater risk of complications.
There's no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for rhinoviruses. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms while the infection runs its course.
When to see a doctor: Contact a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days without improving, a fever persists or symptoms improve and then worsen. Wheezing or worsening breathing problems also warrant medical attention.
The flu often hits harder and faster than a common cold. Symptoms can come on suddenly, bringing fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, headaches, body aches and fatigue. Not everyone develops a fever, and children sometimes experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Most people recover without complications, but influenza can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization and death. Young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with certain chronic conditions face the greatest risks.
Testing: Flu symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Rapid flu tests, including some available for home use, can deliver results in 10 to 15 minutes. But a negative result doesn't necessarily mean someone doesn't have the flu. More accurate molecular tests are also available, and doctors can diagnose influenza based on symptoms without testing.
Vaccination: The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is especially important for older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.
Flu shots aren't foolproof. Their effectiveness varies depending on how closely the vaccine matches circulating strains. During well-matched seasons, vaccination has reduced the risk of seeking medical care for influenza by 40% to 60%. It also helps protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death.
When to see a doctor: Adults 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic health problems should contact a doctor promptly if flu symptoms develop. Antiviral medications work best when started within two days. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion or severe dehydration.
COVID-19 remains a serious respiratory threat. Symptoms range from mild congestion, coughing and fever to severe breathing problems that require hospitalization.
The CDC recommends the 2026-27 COVID-19 vaccine for adults 18 and older and advises parents to consult a health care provider about vaccination for children. Vaccination is especially important for people at greater risk of severe illness.
Improving indoor ventilation, practicing good hygiene and wearing masks in crowded spaces can also reduce the spread of the virus.
People with respiratory symptoms should stay home until their symptoms are improving and they've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. The CDC recommends taking additional precautions, including masking, distancing and testing, for the next five days.
When to see a doctor: Older adults and people with underlying health conditions should contact a doctor as soon as symptoms develop, even if they're mild. Antiviral treatments must begin within five to seven days of the first symptoms, depending on the medication. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion or difficulty staying awake.
Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, can look and feel like an ordinary cold. Symptoms include coughing, congestion, sneezing and fever.
For most healthy people, RSV clears up in a week or two. But the virus can be dangerous for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the United States, according to the CDC. Severe infections can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs that makes breathing difficult.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for everyone 75 and older, along with adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe illness.
Babies can be protected through RSV vaccination during pregnancy or a preventive antibody treatment given after birth. Most infants don't need both.
RSV spreads through coughing, sneezing, close contact and contaminated surfaces. There is no specific antiviral treatment routinely recommended for the infection.
When to see a doctor: Parents should contact a doctor if an infant has trouble feeding, shows signs of dehydration or develops worsening symptoms. Older adults and people with heart or lung conditions should also seek medical advice if symptoms worsen. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, blue or gray lips or signs of severe dehydration.
See also:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Across Rhode Island Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.