Respiratory Illnesses

RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES

Respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are contagious infections that are all caused by different viruses. These illnesses primarily affect the respiratory system and can follow seasonal patterns.

Respiratory illnesses spread when a person who is sick breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch.

• COVID-19 is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It can present with common symptoms like fever and headache as well as unique symptoms that can and include fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of taste and/or smell.
• Influenza (flu) is a virus that infects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Flu can cause mild to severe illnesses in humans. It can cause symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches. Seasonal flu (influenza A and B) is detected year-round but fall and winter is considered flu season.
• RSV a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Vaccines are available to protect older adults from severe RSV. Monoclonal antibody products are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.
• Avian flu, also called H5N1 influenza or bird flu, is a respiratory virus that is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. There have been a few recent human cases, including in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. It may cause cold-like symptoms in people, as well as conjunctivitis (or “pink eye”). While the current public health risk is low, public health officials are watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. Seasonal flu vaccination will not prevent infection with bird flu viruses, but can reduce the risk of getting sick with human influenza viruses and thus the risk for seasonal and bird flu co-infection. More information available here.

DCHD encourages everyone to take steps year-round to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and limit their impact on our families and community. Stay up to date on vaccinations. Practice proper handwashing. Stay home if you are sick. Get tested. Be mindful of not exposing vulnerable friends and family. Consider wearing a mask in appropriate settings. Seek medical advice and care if you have severe symptoms.

KNOW THE SIGNS

	Common Symptoms	COVID-19	FLU	RSV
Common  Symptoms  of  COVID-19,  FLU,  and RSV	Fever and/or Chills
	Headache
	Muscle pain or body aches
	Feeling tired or weak
	Sore throat
	Runny or stuffy nose
	Sneezing
	Cough
	Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
	Vomiting and diarrhea
	Change in or loss of taste or smell

DCHD offers three "Test and Go" kiosk machines that have *free* public health resources for Delaware County residents that include respiratory illness testing options. The kiosks are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are located outside the Keystone First Wellness and Opportunity Center at 1929 W 9th Street in Chester, the Delaware County Wellness Center at 125 Chester Ave in Yeadon, and the Delaware County Government Center at 201 W. Front St. in Media. These kiosks offer a lab (PCR) respiratory panel test for COVID-19 and Flu A/B and rapid COVID-19 home (antigen) tests, as well as public health items like Narcan, test strips, condoms, feminine hygiene supplies, and first aid kits.

For all of the products in the kiosks except the laboratory respiratory panel test, you answer a few questions on the panel built into the machine and the product is delivered to you at the machine and you are good to go.

For the laboratory test in the kiosk, there are four easy steps:

1. Registration: Register directly at the kiosk.
2. Product Retrieval: Receive your test instantly at the kiosk.
3. Testing: Follow the instructions in the test kit and complete the test right at the kiosk or in the comfort of your home.
4. Sample Return and Results: Return your sample in the drop box at the kiosk and receive your laboratory results within 24-48 hours by email or text.

DCHD also has free COVID-19 rapid antigen (home) tests available to residents during business hours at our three offices in Chester, Eddystone, and Yeadon.

Need help? The Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line:
is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition to responding to phone calls, the Wellness Line Team also responds to email inquiries.

Phone: (484) 276-2100
Email: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us