Cough, fever, and malaise: How to tell what respiratory infection you have?

During the winter season, the circulation of colds and respiratory viruses such as the flu and COVID-19 typically increases, as well as bacteria that can cause respiratory infections with similar symptoms. Clinical presentations often share symptoms: fever, cough, congestion, or general malaise… And since the clinical presentation can seem very similar, guessing “what it is” just by how we feel is not always reliable.

What are respiratory infections and how are they classified?

Respiratory infections can affect different parts of the respiratory system, from the upper airways (nose, throat) to the lower airways (bronchial tubes, lungs), and although the clinical symptoms may be similar, the management and interpretation of each case may vary:

• Viral infections: caused by viruses such as influenza or SARS-CoV-2.
• Bacterial infections: come from bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Bordetella pertussis.
• Coinfections: simultaneous presence of viruses and bacteria.

Why it is useful to differentiate between viruses and bacteria

At this time of year, respiratory infection analysis is especially important: not to cause alarm, but to name what is happening and make more informed decisions, especially if we live with vulnerable people, have a job with close contact, or the symptoms last longer than expected. Knowing whether a respiratory infection is viral or bacterial has several important implications:

• Treatments may differ, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
• Allows you to better understand the evolution of symptoms.
• It can avoid the use of unnecessary or inappropriate treatments.

Analysis profiles for respiratory infections

Although we tend to lump everything together (“a flu,” “a bad cold”), viruses and bacteria are not the same. And that difference can be relevant. At our Teletest laboratory, we have three diagnostic profiles that cover different needs depending on the clinical context. Below we explain what each one detects and in what situations it can help:

🦠Respiratory VIRUS Profile by PCR

This molecular test detects multiple respiratory viruses that commonly circulate during flu season:

• Influenza A and B, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Adenovirus, parainfluenza, and others.

🧫Respiratory BACTERIA Profile by PCR

This profile is designed to detect bacteria that can also cause respiratory tract infections, such as:

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila, Bordetella pertussis, among others.

🫁COMPLETE Profile (VIRUSES AND BACTERIA)

This panel combines the detection of viruses and bacteria in a single test, which allows:

• Evaluate coinfections.
• Have a broad view of the respiratory microbiological status.
• Make more informed decisions if symptoms are intense or prolonged.

Which analysis to choose?

Choosing the right analysis profile depends on your symptoms, context, and needs. If the respiratory signs are recent and you want to know if it is the flu, COVID, or another virus, the virus profile by PCR is an appropriate option. If there is suspicion of a bacterial cause or persistent symptoms, other panels may provide more clarity.

Correctly identifying the cause of a respiratory infection allows you to better understand your situation, avoid inappropriate treatments, and make informed decisions without alarmism.