Doctors in the Pittsburgh region are seeing a steep rise in several respiratory viruses this autumn, and they say the symptoms often overlap to the point that patients can’t reliably differentiate one infection from another. Primary‑care physician Dr. Brian Lamb of Allegheny Health Network and internal‑medicine and infectious‑disease specialist Dr. Graham Snyder of UPMC note that COVID‑19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain the most common illnesses they encounter.
Seasonal Virus Landscape
Allegheny County health officials reported 791 confirmed influenza cases, 311 COVID‑19 cases and 27 RSV cases between Oct. 4 and Nov. 2. Hospitalizations for each of those illnesses have been climbing, underscoring the added strain on local health resources.
Although laboratory tests exist for a broader panel of respiratory pathogens, both physicians caution against ordering comprehensive panels for every patient. Dr. Snyder explained that a full respiratory‑virus workup can generate “a three‑figure bill or more,” a cost that is rarely justified for mild illness.
Common Cold Viruses in Circulation
Beyond the headline illnesses, Dr. Snyder identified four additional virus families that are contributing to the seasonal “cold” surge: human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), other coronaviruses, rhinoviruses and adenoviruses.
HPIVs are recognized by the CDC as common causes of mild, cold‑like illness. Three strains circulate: HPIV‑1 and HPIV‑2 are the leading triggers of croup in young children, while HPIV‑3 is more often linked to bronchitis and pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Coronaviruses discussed by Dr. Lamb differ from SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID‑19. These endemic coronaviruses account for an estimated 20‑30 % of ordinary colds, although precise data are limited. Lamb noted that the more lethal SARS and MERS viruses were unable to spread widely because their severity limited transmission, whereas the milder strains have adapted to cause less severe, longer‑lasting illness.
Rhinoviruses and adenoviruses also produce typical cold symptoms—congestion, cough, sore throat, sneezing and fever. The CDC adds that adenoviruses can further cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and pneumonia.
Prevention and Care Recommendations
Both physicians stress basic self‑care and public‑health measures. Individuals with any respiratory symptoms should isolate at home, stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, wash hands frequently, disinfect commonly touched surfaces and consider over‑the‑counter remedies such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough syrups and antihistamines.
Patients at higher risk for complications—such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems—should contact their health‑care provider promptly. Dr. Snyder advises discussing testing options and the potential use of antiviral medications rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.
For otherwise healthy adults with mild illness, the doctors recommend staying home and avoiding close contact with others. As Dr. Lamb put it, “If you’re not having severe symptoms, it really doesn’t matter what you have. For the most part, if you have a viral infection stay home, and stay away from people.”
Mitchell Landsberg is a Senior Technology Correspondent at News Raise. He covers consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, software developments, and digital privacy trends.
