When fall and winter roll around, kids tend to get sick more often. Many parents wonder what is causing their child’s illness, and if it could be a common cold, COVID-19, the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The symptoms of many respiratory illnesses are similar, leaving parents wondering what to look for and how to tell the difference. Testing is the best way to find out if your child has one of these illnesses. Learn more about these illnesses and the best ways to keep your child healthy during cold and flu season.
How are RSV, COVID-19 and the flu different?
RSV and the flu usually follow a seasonal pattern, beginning in the fall and early winter and continuing throughout early spring. All three illnesses are contagious respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them:
- RSV is caused by respiratory syncytial virus
- Flu is caused by the influenza virus
- COVID‑19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2
It's important for parents to remember that RSV is common. Almost all children will get RSV by their second birthday. Most children who get RSV recover quickly, while others may need medical attention.
What are the symptoms of RSV, COVID-19 and the flu?
Symptoms of RSV, flu and COVID‑19 can vary, ranging from mild or no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of these viruses can include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (wheezing in RSV)
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Possible vomiting and diarrhea, which may be more common in children than adults
How do I know if my child has the flu, RSV or COVID-19?
These illnesses share many symptoms, but a few symptoms may provide clues about which virus your child has:
- RSV may cause wheezing
- COVID-19 may cause a change or loss of taste and smell
- Flu symptoms often come on quickly and may include a high fever.
Preeti Sharma, M.D., a pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Health℠ and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern, reminds parents to watch for a common tell-tale sign of flu.
"One thing to remember about influenza is that it often comes on very quickly," she says. "So, you might be feeling great and then suddenly experience fever, body aches and chills. Children infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected, and the symptoms can appear in stages and not all at the same time.”
Making a diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be difficult. It is also possible to have any combination of the three viruses at the same time. If you are concerned about your child's symptoms, contact your health care provider for guidance. Testing may be needed to determine which virus your child has.
"It's important to keep track of symptoms in yourself and your child," Dr. Sharma says. "If your child isn't feeling well, talk to your health care provider and let their guidance move you towards a plan."
How do RSV, COVID-19 and the flu spread?
These viruses circulate from person to person and it's possible to spread these illnesses before experiencing symptoms. However, people with COVID‑19 may remain contagious for a longer period than those with the flu or RSV.
RSV spreads in similar ways to the flu and COVID-19 and is very contagious. Jeffrey Kahn, M.D., Director of Infectious Disease at Children's Health and Professor at UT Southwestern, urges individuals to take precautions to not only protect themselves, but also their family members, against the spread of these viruses.
Dr. Kahn urges parents to be vigilant when it comes to good health practices, such as hand washing, sneezing in a tissue or upper shirt sleeve, staying home when not feeling well, mask-wearing, social distancing and getting vaccinated according to CDC guidelines.
How to prevent RSV, COVID-19 and the flu?
The best way to prevent flu, RSV and COVID‑19 is to stay up to date on your immunizations.
"Preventing that which we can prevent is key," Dr. Sharma says. "Getting a flu shot for yourself and your children will prevent a lot of the serious complications related to flu."
Everyone who is eligible should also get an updated COVID‑19 vaccine. The COVID‑19 vaccine is authorized for children ages 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to prevent COVID‑19 illness.
Flu vaccines and COVID‑19 vaccines can be given at the same time per CDC guidelines. You can visit vaccines.gov to find a COVID‑19 vaccine near you.
In 2023, the FDA approved the first widely available RSV prevention shot. Now, there are immunizations available for pregnant people between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy (Abrysvo) and for babies under 8 months old going into their first RSV season (nirsevimab) which starts in the fall. Infants typically only need Abrysvo or the nirsevimab, not both. However, if the baby is born less than two weeks after their mother gets Abrysvo, then a doctor may recommend nirsevimab.
You can also reduce your child's risk of contracting RSV or other common viral illnesses by:
- Washing hands often
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Covering the mouth and nose with a face mask when around others to prevent spread
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces
- Monitoring your health by being alert for symptoms
- Avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with others who are sick and staying home if your child doesn't feel well
What to do if your child becomes sick
If your child is sick, talk to their pediatrician about their symptoms and how they are feeling. If your child is older than 6 months, you can help reduce symptoms and discomfort by managing a fever or pain with over-the-counter fever and pain relievers. If your child is uncomfortable, try these home remedies to help relieve their symptoms:
- Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration
- Use a cool mist humidifier
- Use nasal saline with gentle suctioning to help with breathing
- Take a warm bath or shower to loosen mucus
- Get as much rest as possible
- Give a teaspoon of honey if your child is over the age of 1
Who is at the highest risk for severe illness from RSV, COVID-19 and the flu?
RSV can cause severe illness and complications in the following:
- Premature infants
- Infants, especially those 6 months and younger
- Children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
- Children with weakened immune systems
- Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions
Flu and COVID-19 can cause severe illness and complications in the following:
- Older adults
- People with certain underlying medical conditions (including infants and children)
- Pregnant people
The greatest risk of transmission of COVID‑19 is among people who are not vaccinated.
#Flu #RSV and #COVID19 share similar symptoms, and it can be hard to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Learn ways to keep your family healthy from @Childrens.
Get care now
With pediatric urgent care locations around the metroplex, high-quality virtual care and two pediatric emergency rooms, Children's Health is nearby and ready to help when you need it most. Learn when to take your child to an urgent care vs. the emergency room.
Thank you!
You are now subscribed to the Children's Health Family Newsletter.
Children's Health will not sell, share or rent your information to third parties. Please read our privacy policy.