RSV, the flu, and COVID-19: similarities, differences, and how to prevent all three

Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz

Co-Founder, President of TSU and Senior Medical Advisor

After building the pediatric emergency department at Renown Regional Medical Center, Dr. Rob co-founded Hazel with the goal to leverage technology to provide greater access to care for children.

Respiratory infections occur year-round, but more occur during the colder months. Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)– which is currently plaguing US health systems–are both highly contagious respiratory viruses that cause cold-like symptoms.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to emerge, it’s important to distinguish between what might be COVID-19, from what might be the flu or RSV.

‍

The pandemic’s influence on respiratory virus spread

During the pandemic, children essentially got a reprieve from the flu and RSV, and outbreaks that did occur were much smaller. Because of stay-at-home orders, masking, and other COVID-19 prevention efforts, children were not as vulnerable to catching these two viruses.

Now, with the combination of returning to normal activities and reduced masking plus lowered immunity, these viruses are back in full force and with a vengeance. Health systems are strained with an influx of children with RSV, and flu cases are spiking, with public health officials reporting the highest incidence of the flu in a decade.

To prevent illness, it’s essential to understand the differences between these respiratory illnesses and what to do if symptoms arise.

‍

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs (in most cases). The flu virus is spread from one individual to another through coughing, talking, or sneezing; symptoms range from mild to severe. In rare instances, the flu can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Kids are more severely affected by this virus than adults and experience higher fevers and digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea). Unlike the common cold, the flu tends to come on suddenly with additional intense symptoms, including:

Body and/or muscle aches
Chills and sweats
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat

Seasonal influenza activity is currently elevated across the country. The CDC estimates that roughly 11,000+ patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza during the last week of November, which is high for this early in a typical flu season.

‍

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and respiratory tract causing mild, cold-like symptoms within 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Though most people recover quickly, RSV can cause serious health complications for children and infants including bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The CDC estimates that between 58,000-80,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized annually due to RSV infection. According to the CDC, those at most significant risk for severe RSV illness include:

Premature infants
Infants, especially those six months and younger
Children younger than two 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

As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed, the rates of RSV-related hospitalizations are spiking. The pandemic significantly reduced RSV infections due to social distancing and other safety measures. However, as children return to everyday life without masks and other COVID-19 precautions, they’re at greater risk and more vulnerable than ever. With children’s hospitals being at capacity with cases across the country, experts are worried. Like most viruses, RSV is highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools or childcare centers. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever
Decrease in appetite
Wheezing

‍

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can be critical and has caused millions of deaths worldwide and lasting health problems in many who have survived the illness. Depending on your location, at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests are available at drugstores or can be provided through your healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after a COVID-19 exposure. Since the pandemic's start, nearly 50% of children and infants with COVID-19 have shown little to no symptoms. Nonetheless, possible signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Chest pain
Body and/or muscle aches

‍

Differences between respiratory infections

The flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses: the flu by the influenza virus, RSV by the respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

No symptom or sign can tell you what virus your child is having. However there are some that can help you navigate your child’s infection and help you determine when to see your doctor.

‍

The Flu

One distinctive sign of the flu is a very high fever of 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

What you can do: You can treat fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol^TM) or ibuprofen (Motrin^TM, Advil^TM). If symptoms worsen and it is within 72 hours of onset, your child may benefit from additional medications, such as Tamiflu.

What to look out for: dehydration. With high fevers a child can lose water. Keeping your child hydrated is important during this time.

RSV

One sign can be breathing issues. For those with breathing issues (ex Asthma) or in the very young, RSV can cause breathing issues.

What you can do: hydrate as increased breathing results in increased water loss. Give asthma medications early (if your child has asthma). Provide comfort with honey (for cough) and humidified air (although there is no definitive proof they help).

‍
What to look for: trouble breathing (breathing fast, trouble talking), dehydration, and/or increased fatigue from working so hard to breathe.

‍

COVID-19

This one is the trickiest as symptoms can mimic either of the above.

What you can do: get tested to confirm or rule out COVID-19 so you can keep others who may be at risk (unvaccinated, elderly) safe. Treat fever and keep hydrated.

‍What to look for: besides breathing issues, in rare cases children can get a multi inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Symptoms can be stomach pain, bloodshot eyes, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure), skin rash or vomiting. This can occur several days or weeks after the COVID infection.

Reach out to your PCP for additional information on the differences between the 3 viruses and how to distinguish between them.

‍

The role of seasonality

In the US, flu, and RSV are present year-round but circulate widely in the fall and winter months. Recent studies show that COVID-19 cases increase seasonally, specifically between January and March. In the winter, most people prefer spending time indoors.

Breathing the same air for extended periods combined with little ventilation increases the risk of catching a respiratory virus. The pandemic and the strict two-year lockdown weakened most immune systems, thus increasing the chances of catching any illness.

‍

How to prevent infections

COVID-19 prevention strategies implemented over the past few years have also been effective at preventing the flu and RSV.

Vaccinations (https://www.vaccines.gov/): If eligible, consider making an appointment and ensuring your child is up-to-date on all vaccines. In regards to the flu, the CDC recommends that everyone age six months and older get vaccinated annually. The flu vaccine is the best prevention, and health officials are feeling very confident about the efficacy of the vaccine against this year’s flu strain.
Social distancing techniques: wearing a mask and keeping appropriate physical distance reduces risk of any respiratory infection
Hygiene: Washing or sanitizing hands regularly keeps bodies healthy and prevents spreading respiratory infections. Also, it’s important to always cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
Sanitation: Miniscule droplets of any virus are often in high-contact surfaces or objects, so it’s crucial to sanitize areas of potential contamination.

Sharing similar symptoms, it’s often quite difficult to tell the difference between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. The good news is your healthcare provider can do a swab test or additional testing to determine which virus your child has.

Hydration and ample rest are the best forms of treatment for these illnesses. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for additional information or treatment recommendations for your family.

Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz

Co-Founder, President of TSU and Senior Medical Advisor

After building the pediatric emergency department at Renown Regional Medical Center, Dr. Rob co-founded Hazel with the goal to leverage technology to provide greater access to care for children.

Respiratory infections occur year-round, but more occur during the colder months. Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)– which is currently plaguing US health systems–are both highly contagious respiratory viruses that cause cold-like symptoms.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to emerge, it’s important to distinguish between what might be COVID-19, from what might be the flu or RSV.

‍

The pandemic’s influence on respiratory virus spread

During the pandemic, children essentially got a reprieve from the flu and RSV, and outbreaks that did occur were much smaller. Because of stay-at-home orders, masking, and other COVID-19 prevention efforts, children were not as vulnerable to catching these two viruses.

Now, with the combination of returning to normal activities and reduced masking plus lowered immunity, these viruses are back in full force and with a vengeance. Health systems are strained with an influx of children with RSV, and flu cases are spiking, with public health officials reporting the highest incidence of the flu in a decade.

To prevent illness, it’s essential to understand the differences between these respiratory illnesses and what to do if symptoms arise.

‍

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs (in most cases). The flu virus is spread from one individual to another through coughing, talking, or sneezing; symptoms range from mild to severe. In rare instances, the flu can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Kids are more severely affected by this virus than adults and experience higher fevers and digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea). Unlike the common cold, the flu tends to come on suddenly with additional intense symptoms, including:

Body and/or muscle aches
Chills and sweats
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat

Seasonal influenza activity is currently elevated across the country. The CDC estimates that roughly 11,000+ patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza during the last week of November, which is high for this early in a typical flu season.

‍

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and respiratory tract causing mild, cold-like symptoms within 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Though most people recover quickly, RSV can cause serious health complications for children and infants including bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The CDC estimates that between 58,000-80,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized annually due to RSV infection. According to the CDC, those at most significant risk for severe RSV illness include:

Premature infants
Infants, especially those six months and younger
Children younger than two 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

As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed, the rates of RSV-related hospitalizations are spiking. The pandemic significantly reduced RSV infections due to social distancing and other safety measures. However, as children return to everyday life without masks and other COVID-19 precautions, they’re at greater risk and more vulnerable than ever. With children’s hospitals being at capacity with cases across the country, experts are worried. Like most viruses, RSV is highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools or childcare centers. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever
Decrease in appetite
Wheezing

‍

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can be critical and has caused millions of deaths worldwide and lasting health problems in many who have survived the illness. Depending on your location, at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests are available at drugstores or can be provided through your healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after a COVID-19 exposure. Since the pandemic's start, nearly 50% of children and infants with COVID-19 have shown little to no symptoms. Nonetheless, possible signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Chest pain
Body and/or muscle aches

‍

Differences between respiratory infections

The flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses: the flu by the influenza virus, RSV by the respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

No symptom or sign can tell you what virus your child is having. However there are some that can help you navigate your child’s infection and help you determine when to see your doctor.

‍

The Flu

One distinctive sign of the flu is a very high fever of 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

What you can do: You can treat fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol^TM) or ibuprofen (Motrin^TM, Advil^TM). If symptoms worsen and it is within 72 hours of onset, your child may benefit from additional medications, such as Tamiflu.

What to look out for: dehydration. With high fevers a child can lose water. Keeping your child hydrated is important during this time.

RSV

One sign can be breathing issues. For those with breathing issues (ex Asthma) or in the very young, RSV can cause breathing issues.

What you can do: hydrate as increased breathing results in increased water loss. Give asthma medications early (if your child has asthma). Provide comfort with honey (for cough) and humidified air (although there is no definitive proof they help).

‍
What to look for: trouble breathing (breathing fast, trouble talking), dehydration, and/or increased fatigue from working so hard to breathe.

‍

COVID-19

This one is the trickiest as symptoms can mimic either of the above.

What you can do: get tested to confirm or rule out COVID-19 so you can keep others who may be at risk (unvaccinated, elderly) safe. Treat fever and keep hydrated.

‍What to look for: besides breathing issues, in rare cases children can get a multi inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Symptoms can be stomach pain, bloodshot eyes, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure), skin rash or vomiting. This can occur several days or weeks after the COVID infection.

Reach out to your PCP for additional information on the differences between the 3 viruses and how to distinguish between them.

‍

The role of seasonality

In the US, flu, and RSV are present year-round but circulate widely in the fall and winter months. Recent studies show that COVID-19 cases increase seasonally, specifically between January and March. In the winter, most people prefer spending time indoors.

Breathing the same air for extended periods combined with little ventilation increases the risk of catching a respiratory virus. The pandemic and the strict two-year lockdown weakened most immune systems, thus increasing the chances of catching any illness.

‍

How to prevent infections

COVID-19 prevention strategies implemented over the past few years have also been effective at preventing the flu and RSV.

Vaccinations (https://www.vaccines.gov/): If eligible, consider making an appointment and ensuring your child is up-to-date on all vaccines. In regards to the flu, the CDC recommends that everyone age six months and older get vaccinated annually. The flu vaccine is the best prevention, and health officials are feeling very confident about the efficacy of the vaccine against this year’s flu strain.
Social distancing techniques: wearing a mask and keeping appropriate physical distance reduces risk of any respiratory infection
Hygiene: Washing or sanitizing hands regularly keeps bodies healthy and prevents spreading respiratory infections. Also, it’s important to always cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
Sanitation: Miniscule droplets of any virus are often in high-contact surfaces or objects, so it’s crucial to sanitize areas of potential contamination.

Sharing similar symptoms, it’s often quite difficult to tell the difference between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. The good news is your healthcare provider can do a swab test or additional testing to determine which virus your child has.

Hydration and ample rest are the best forms of treatment for these illnesses. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for additional information or treatment recommendations for your family.

Dr. Rob Darzynkiewicz

Co-Founder, President of TSU and Senior Medical Advisor

After building the pediatric emergency department at Renown Regional Medical Center, Dr. Rob co-founded Hazel with the goal to leverage technology to provide greater access to care for children.

Respiratory infections occur year-round, but more occur during the colder months. Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)– which is currently plaguing US health systems–are both highly contagious respiratory viruses that cause cold-like symptoms.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to emerge, it’s important to distinguish between what might be COVID-19, from what might be the flu or RSV.

‍

The pandemic’s influence on respiratory virus spread

During the pandemic, children essentially got a reprieve from the flu and RSV, and outbreaks that did occur were much smaller. Because of stay-at-home orders, masking, and other COVID-19 prevention efforts, children were not as vulnerable to catching these two viruses.

Now, with the combination of returning to normal activities and reduced masking plus lowered immunity, these viruses are back in full force and with a vengeance. Health systems are strained with an influx of children with RSV, and flu cases are spiking, with public health officials reporting the highest incidence of the flu in a decade.

To prevent illness, it’s essential to understand the differences between these respiratory illnesses and what to do if symptoms arise.

‍

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs (in most cases). The flu virus is spread from one individual to another through coughing, talking, or sneezing; symptoms range from mild to severe. In rare instances, the flu can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Kids are more severely affected by this virus than adults and experience higher fevers and digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea). Unlike the common cold, the flu tends to come on suddenly with additional intense symptoms, including:

Body and/or muscle aches
Chills and sweats
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat

Seasonal influenza activity is currently elevated across the country. The CDC estimates that roughly 11,000+ patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza during the last week of November, which is high for this early in a typical flu season.

‍

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and respiratory tract causing mild, cold-like symptoms within 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Though most people recover quickly, RSV can cause serious health complications for children and infants including bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The CDC estimates that between 58,000-80,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized annually due to RSV infection. According to the CDC, those at most significant risk for severe RSV illness include:

Premature infants
Infants, especially those six months and younger
Children younger than two 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

As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed, the rates of RSV-related hospitalizations are spiking. The pandemic significantly reduced RSV infections due to social distancing and other safety measures. However, as children return to everyday life without masks and other COVID-19 precautions, they’re at greater risk and more vulnerable than ever. With children’s hospitals being at capacity with cases across the country, experts are worried. Like most viruses, RSV is highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools or childcare centers. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever
Decrease in appetite
Wheezing

‍

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can be critical and has caused millions of deaths worldwide and lasting health problems in many who have survived the illness. Depending on your location, at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests are available at drugstores or can be provided through your healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after a COVID-19 exposure. Since the pandemic's start, nearly 50% of children and infants with COVID-19 have shown little to no symptoms. Nonetheless, possible signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Chest pain
Body and/or muscle aches

‍

Differences between respiratory infections

The flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses: the flu by the influenza virus, RSV by the respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

No symptom or sign can tell you what virus your child is having. However there are some that can help you navigate your child’s infection and help you determine when to see your doctor.

‍

The Flu

One distinctive sign of the flu is a very high fever of 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

What you can do: You can treat fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol^TM) or ibuprofen (Motrin^TM, Advil^TM). If symptoms worsen and it is within 72 hours of onset, your child may benefit from additional medications, such as Tamiflu.

What to look out for: dehydration. With high fevers a child can lose water. Keeping your child hydrated is important during this time.

RSV

One sign can be breathing issues. For those with breathing issues (ex Asthma) or in the very young, RSV can cause breathing issues.

What you can do: hydrate as increased breathing results in increased water loss. Give asthma medications early (if your child has asthma). Provide comfort with honey (for cough) and humidified air (although there is no definitive proof they help).

‍
What to look for: trouble breathing (breathing fast, trouble talking), dehydration, and/or increased fatigue from working so hard to breathe.

‍

COVID-19

This one is the trickiest as symptoms can mimic either of the above.

What you can do: get tested to confirm or rule out COVID-19 so you can keep others who may be at risk (unvaccinated, elderly) safe. Treat fever and keep hydrated.

‍What to look for: besides breathing issues, in rare cases children can get a multi inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Symptoms can be stomach pain, bloodshot eyes, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure), skin rash or vomiting. This can occur several days or weeks after the COVID infection.

Reach out to your PCP for additional information on the differences between the 3 viruses and how to distinguish between them.

‍

The role of seasonality

In the US, flu, and RSV are present year-round but circulate widely in the fall and winter months. Recent studies show that COVID-19 cases increase seasonally, specifically between January and March. In the winter, most people prefer spending time indoors.

Breathing the same air for extended periods combined with little ventilation increases the risk of catching a respiratory virus. The pandemic and the strict two-year lockdown weakened most immune systems, thus increasing the chances of catching any illness.

‍

How to prevent infections

COVID-19 prevention strategies implemented over the past few years have also been effective at preventing the flu and RSV.

Vaccinations (https://www.vaccines.gov/): If eligible, consider making an appointment and ensuring your child is up-to-date on all vaccines. In regards to the flu, the CDC recommends that everyone age six months and older get vaccinated annually. The flu vaccine is the best prevention, and health officials are feeling very confident about the efficacy of the vaccine against this year’s flu strain.
Social distancing techniques: wearing a mask and keeping appropriate physical distance reduces risk of any respiratory infection
Hygiene: Washing or sanitizing hands regularly keeps bodies healthy and prevents spreading respiratory infections. Also, it’s important to always cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
Sanitation: Miniscule droplets of any virus are often in high-contact surfaces or objects, so it’s crucial to sanitize areas of potential contamination.

Sharing similar symptoms, it’s often quite difficult to tell the difference between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. The good news is your healthcare provider can do a swab test or additional testing to determine which virus your child has.

Hydration and ample rest are the best forms of treatment for these illnesses. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for additional information or treatment recommendations for your family.

Respiratory infections occur year-round, but more occur during the colder months. Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)– which is currently plaguing US health systems–are both highly contagious respiratory viruses that cause cold-like symptoms.

With COVID-19 cases continuing to emerge, it’s important to distinguish between what might be COVID-19, from what might be the flu or RSV.

‍

The pandemic’s influence on respiratory virus spread

During the pandemic, children essentially got a reprieve from the flu and RSV, and outbreaks that did occur were much smaller. Because of stay-at-home orders, masking, and other COVID-19 prevention efforts, children were not as vulnerable to catching these two viruses.

Now, with the combination of returning to normal activities and reduced masking plus lowered immunity, these viruses are back in full force and with a vengeance. Health systems are strained with an influx of children with RSV, and flu cases are spiking, with public health officials reporting the highest incidence of the flu in a decade.

To prevent illness, it’s essential to understand the differences between these respiratory illnesses and what to do if symptoms arise.

‍

Influenza (Flu)

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs (in most cases). The flu virus is spread from one individual to another through coughing, talking, or sneezing; symptoms range from mild to severe. In rare instances, the flu can spread when a person touches a contaminated surface or object and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Kids are more severely affected by this virus than adults and experience higher fevers and digestive issues (vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea). Unlike the common cold, the flu tends to come on suddenly with additional intense symptoms, including:

Body and/or muscle aches
Chills and sweats
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat

Seasonal influenza activity is currently elevated across the country. The CDC estimates that roughly 11,000+ patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza during the last week of November, which is high for this early in a typical flu season.

‍

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects the lungs and respiratory tract causing mild, cold-like symptoms within 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. Though most people recover quickly, RSV can cause serious health complications for children and infants including bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

The CDC estimates that between 58,000-80,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized annually due to RSV infection. According to the CDC, those at most significant risk for severe RSV illness include:

Premature infants
Infants, especially those six months and younger
Children younger than two 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

As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed, the rates of RSV-related hospitalizations are spiking. The pandemic significantly reduced RSV infections due to social distancing and other safety measures. However, as children return to everyday life without masks and other COVID-19 precautions, they’re at greater risk and more vulnerable than ever. With children’s hospitals being at capacity with cases across the country, experts are worried. Like most viruses, RSV is highly contagious and can spread quickly through schools or childcare centers. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Fever
Decrease in appetite
Wheezing

‍

COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 can be critical and has caused millions of deaths worldwide and lasting health problems in many who have survived the illness. Depending on your location, at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests are available at drugstores or can be provided through your healthcare provider. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after a COVID-19 exposure. Since the pandemic's start, nearly 50% of children and infants with COVID-19 have shown little to no symptoms. Nonetheless, possible signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Fever or chills
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Chest pain
Body and/or muscle aches

‍

Differences between respiratory infections

The flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are all highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses: the flu by the influenza virus, RSV by the respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

No symptom or sign can tell you what virus your child is having. However there are some that can help you navigate your child’s infection and help you determine when to see your doctor.

‍

The Flu

One distinctive sign of the flu is a very high fever of 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

What you can do: You can treat fever with acetaminophen (Tylenol^TM) or ibuprofen (Motrin^TM, Advil^TM). If symptoms worsen and it is within 72 hours of onset, your child may benefit from additional medications, such as Tamiflu.

What to look out for: dehydration. With high fevers a child can lose water. Keeping your child hydrated is important during this time.

RSV

One sign can be breathing issues. For those with breathing issues (ex Asthma) or in the very young, RSV can cause breathing issues.

What you can do: hydrate as increased breathing results in increased water loss. Give asthma medications early (if your child has asthma). Provide comfort with honey (for cough) and humidified air (although there is no definitive proof they help).

‍
What to look for: trouble breathing (breathing fast, trouble talking), dehydration, and/or increased fatigue from working so hard to breathe.

‍

COVID-19

This one is the trickiest as symptoms can mimic either of the above.

What you can do: get tested to confirm or rule out COVID-19 so you can keep others who may be at risk (unvaccinated, elderly) safe. Treat fever and keep hydrated.

‍What to look for: besides breathing issues, in rare cases children can get a multi inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Symptoms can be stomach pain, bloodshot eyes, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness (signs of low blood pressure), skin rash or vomiting. This can occur several days or weeks after the COVID infection.

Reach out to your PCP for additional information on the differences between the 3 viruses and how to distinguish between them.

‍

The role of seasonality

In the US, flu, and RSV are present year-round but circulate widely in the fall and winter months. Recent studies show that COVID-19 cases increase seasonally, specifically between January and March. In the winter, most people prefer spending time indoors.

Breathing the same air for extended periods combined with little ventilation increases the risk of catching a respiratory virus. The pandemic and the strict two-year lockdown weakened most immune systems, thus increasing the chances of catching any illness.

‍

How to prevent infections

COVID-19 prevention strategies implemented over the past few years have also been effective at preventing the flu and RSV.

Vaccinations (https://www.vaccines.gov/): If eligible, consider making an appointment and ensuring your child is up-to-date on all vaccines. In regards to the flu, the CDC recommends that everyone age six months and older get vaccinated annually. The flu vaccine is the best prevention, and health officials are feeling very confident about the efficacy of the vaccine against this year’s flu strain.
Social distancing techniques: wearing a mask and keeping appropriate physical distance reduces risk of any respiratory infection
Hygiene: Washing or sanitizing hands regularly keeps bodies healthy and prevents spreading respiratory infections. Also, it’s important to always cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze.
Sanitation: Miniscule droplets of any virus are often in high-contact surfaces or objects, so it’s crucial to sanitize areas of potential contamination.

Sharing similar symptoms, it’s often quite difficult to tell the difference between the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. The good news is your healthcare provider can do a swab test or additional testing to determine which virus your child has.

Hydration and ample rest are the best forms of treatment for these illnesses. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider for additional information or treatment recommendations for your family.

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About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel’s diverse, culturally competent providers specialize in the health challenges of children and teens and partner with parents and school staff to make the best care decisions for students. Hazel is committed to improving health care equity and is available regardless of family income, geography, insurance status, or ability to pay. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care, because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at hazel.co.

About Hazel

Hazel Health is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of school-based telehealth. By partnering with districts and health plans across the country, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to pediatric healthcare. Today, Hazel’s licensed providers deliver teletherapy and virtual care (in school or at home) to over four million K-12 students, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive: in school, at home, and in life.

Learn more at hazel.co.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel serves nearly 2 million students across 100 school districts, helping to reduce chronic absenteeism and unfinished learning by addressing gaps in health care access. As an extension of the school health team, Hazel helps schools immediately address student physical and mental health care needs. Hazel’s mission is to transform children’s access to health care because when students feel better, they learn better.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Hazel helps school districts address chronic absenteeism, unfinished learning, and school enrollment, by addressing gaps in health care access.

Learn more at Hazel.co/hazel-in-schools.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. Instead of waiting for an appointment with a doctor or therapist, children can see a Hazel provider for a telehealth visit, at no cost to families. With guardian permission, Hazel’s telehealth platform allows children to connect with a health care provider within minutes, or a therapist within days of referral. Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works.

About Hazel

Hazel Health, the leader in school-based telehealth, partners with school districts and families to provide mental and physical health services to K-12 students where they are–at school or home. At no cost, and regardless of insurance status, Hazel’s providers can help with everything from allergies and stomach aches to anxiety and depression. With Hazel, children can get the care they need when they need it.

Learn more at Hazel.co/how-hazel-works.