COVID-19, the flu (or influenza) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses. Symptoms of all are more similar than they are different and may look different in different age groups. All have similar treatments that are based upon supportive care including comfort measures and assuring adequate hydration.
What is a cold?
Almost everybody is familiar with the sensation of having a cold. The average person will have had many colds from infancy all the way until later life.
Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing and sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Headache and body aches
- Little to no fever
- Cough and congestion do not interfere with ability to eat or sleep.
To avoid catching or spreading a cold, you should wash your hands regularly and make sure you sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief, or into their elbow.
What is influenza?
There are three types of the flu virus: influenza A, influenza B and influenza C. Types A and B are the ones that cause seasonal epidemics.
One of the key symptoms of flu is feeling feverish or having a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above. However, not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Other common symptoms include a fever, fatigue, sore throat and congestion/cough.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common virus that impacts your lungs and breathing. The most common symptom of RSV is copious clearing of your upper airway secretions. This is especially concerning for infants as they physically struggle to clear airway secretions to breathe and to eat. A fever may or may not be present.
What parents should know about RSV
How to know which virus your child might have?
Knowing the exposure your child has had from childcare, school and seeing other family members is very helpful when you need to narrow down symptoms. However, testing is the only definitive way to distinguish what the virus might be. Treatment is typically similar for either of these illnesses.
Schedule an appointment for your child if they have symptoms including:
- Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fussiness and decreased sleep.
- Any respiratory symptoms interfering with the ability to sleep or eat.
- Decreased urine output.
Prevention is key
Vaccines are available for influenza and COVID-19 for ages 6 months and older. Vaccines are safe and show significant efficacy in preventing severe disease. Handwashing has continued to be a universal standard in preventing the spread of disease. If you or your child is feeling ill, stay home to prevent the spread of a virus.
