RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is a very common virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms.
However, it is also the leading cause of hospitalization in infants, especially in babies under 6 months.

Common symptoms:

• Coughing

• Congestion

• Runny nose

• Trouble feeding

• Fast or difficult breathing

• Wheezing

Higher-risk infants include:

• Premature babies

• Infants with heart or lung conditions

• Babies with weakened immune systems

New RSV protections:
There are now maternal vaccines and preventive antibody options that significantly reduce the risk of severe RSV in infants. Ask your provider whether your baby qualifies.

Influenza (Flu)

Flu tends to come on suddenly and can make kids feel worse than a typical cold.

Common symptoms:

• High fever

• Body aches

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Cough

• Chills

Children can develop complications such as pneumonia or ear infections, especially if they have asthma or chronic conditions.

Prevention:
Children 6 months and older should receive a yearly flu shot, which helps reduce severity and complications.

COVID-19

COVID-19 symptoms in children often resemble cold or flu symptoms.

Common symptoms:

• Fever

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Runny nose

• Occasional loss of taste or smell

Most children have mild illness, but some can develop more serious symptoms — especially infants or children with chronic health conditions.

Prevention:
Vaccination (when age-appropriate) helps reduce severe outcomes and hospitalization.

How These Viruses Spread

All three viruses spread through:

• Respiratory droplets when people talk, cough, or sneeze

• Close contact with someone who is sick

• Touching contaminated surfaces

Good habits help prevent all three:

• Frequent handwashing

• Staying home when sick

• Cleaning high-touch surfaces

• Good ventilation (fresh air, open windows, clean air filters)

When to Call the Doctor

Call your child’s provider right away if your child has any respiratory virus and:

• Breathing is fast, labored, or noisy

• Ribs are pulling in with each breath

• Lips or face look bluish or pale

• They show signs of dehydration

• Fever lasts more than 3 days

• They are extremely tired or hard to wake

• Symptoms suddenly worsen instead of improve

Infants under 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher should always be evaluated immediately.

When These Illnesses Are an Emergency

Call 911 or go to the ER if your child:

• Is struggling to breathe

• Has long pauses in breathing

• Is not responsive or very difficult to wake

• Has bluish or gray lips

• Has a seizure

• Cannot drink or keep fluids down

Trust your instincts — if something seems wrong, seek care right away.

Keeping Your Family Healthy

To reduce risk during sick season:

• Keep vaccines up to date

• Encourage regular handwashing

• Avoid sharing cups, snacks, or utensils

• Clean surfaces during illness

• Keep sick children home from school or daycare

• Use humidifiers and fresh air to ease symptoms at home

Small steps go a long way.

Disclaimer

This blog is for general education and does not replace medical care. Always follow your child’s healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.