Pittsburgh-area physicians report that a wide variety of circulating respiratory viruses share symptoms that are nearly impossible to clinically distinguish from one another. While covid, influenza, and RSV are among the respiratory illnesses most commonly encountered, doctors advise against costly multi-virus diagnostic panels.
Allegheny County Health Data Tracks Rising Hospitalizations
Between Oct. 4 and Nov. 2, Allegheny County recorded 791 cases of influenza, 311 cases of covid, and 27 cases of RSV. Hospitalizations for all three illnesses rose during this period. Primary care physicians note that patients presenting with a sore throat, stuffy nose, or nagging cough frequently cannot determine the underlying cause without laboratory work. “So many of these viruses’ symptoms can overlap,” Dr. Brian Lamb, a primary care physician at Allegheny Health Network, told triblive.com. “Usually, AHN does an article every year about how to tell the difference, but you really can’t.” Lamb and Dr. Graham Snyder, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist with UPMC, identified covid, influenza, and RSV as illnesses they most commonly encounter this fall.
Why Physicians Advise Against Comprehensive Respiratory Testing
Although tests are available for other respiratory viruses, medical providers generally discourage running panels for every circulating virus. Financial drawbacks often accompany routine multi-virus testing for patients.
“If you go to your doctor and your doctor does the test for all the respiratory viruses… in my experience, patients can sometimes get a three-figure bill or more,” Snyder told triblive.com. “That usually isn’t recommended.”
Instead of pursuing a specific diagnosis through expensive laboratory work, physicians emphasize that treatment protocols remain largely supportive for mild infections. Home care measures such as self-isolation, rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, cough syrup, and antihistamines are recommended.
Four Cold Viruses Circulating Alongside Covid and Flu
Beyond the dominant pathogens, Snyder noted that four different types of viruses associated with the common cold are circulating this season: human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), coronaviruses, rhinovirus and aednavirus.
Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that HPIVs commonly cause mild, cold-like symptoms, though young children and adults with weakened immune systems face risks of severe symptoms. Strains HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 are the most common causes for croup in young children, while HPIV-3 is most commonly associated with bronchitis and pneumonia.
Coronaviruses account for about 20-30% of colds, according to Lamb. These viruses are different than covid-19, having mutated to lessen the severity of symptoms to prolong the duration of an illness and eventually be passed on to someone else. Rhinoviruses and adenoviruses also can cause cold-like symptoms, including congestion, coughing, sneezing, and sore throat, with adenoviruses additionally causing pink eye and pneumonia.
When to Seek Medical Intervention for Severe Symptoms
Patients at risk of complications require a different clinical approach than the general public. “If you’re somebody who is at risk of complications, talk with your doctor when you feel sick,” Snyder told triblive.com. “Talk about getting tested, and talk about the antivirals that may be an option for you. Don’t wait until you feel too sick.”
For everyone else, Lamb and Snyder recommended staying home. “In the long run if you’re not having severe symptoms, it really doesn’t matter what you have,” Lamb told triblive.com. “For the most part, if you have a viral infection stay home, and stay away from people.”
Common Questions About Fall Respiratory Illnesses
Why do doctors discourage testing for every respiratory virus?
Routine multi-virus testing can result in unexpected medical expenses, with patients sometimes getting a three-figure bill or more. Because doctors generally don’t recommend testing for all respiratory viruses, physicians suggest focusing on treatment and testing options for those at risk.
What are the main strains of human parainfluenza viruses?
Human parainfluenza viruses circulate in three main strains. HPIV-1 and HPIV-2 are the most common causes for croup in young children, while HPIV-3 is most commonly associated with bronchitis and pneumonia.
How many common cold cases are caused by coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses usually cause about 20-30% of colds. These viruses are different than covid-19 and have mutated to lessen the severity of symptoms to prolong the duration of an illness.
What specific case numbers did Allegheny County report for October and November?
Between Oct. 4 and Nov. 2, Allegheny County recorded 791 cases of influenza, 311 cases of covid, and 27 cases of RSV, alongside rising hospitalizations for all three illnesses.