Is It a Cold, Flu, COVID-19, or RSV? What Parents Need to Know.
Does your child seem to have a never-ending runny nose or cough? It may just be another cold—healthy kids can get 6–10 colds a year. But during the winter, when several different viruses are going around, it could be something more serious like the flu, COVID-19, or RSV.
So how can you tell the difference? Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, what to look for, and when to call your pediatrician.
What Is RSV?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, and it’s become a hot topic in recent years as cases have surged. It tends to hit younger children harder because their smaller airways make breathing more difficult. This can make them look much sicker than an adult with the same illness. RSV symptoms often peak around days 3–5 but can last up to 2 weeks.
Symptom Comparison
Symptoms can be confusing because flu, COVID-19, and RSV each can cause fever, cough, congestion, and fatigue. Kids may even have more than one virus at the same time! That’s why diagnosis based on symptoms alone can be tricky.
Instead of focusing on which virus it is, focus on how sick your child seems.
|
Symptom |
Flu |
COVID-19 |
RSV |
|
Fever |
Common (high) |
Common |
Sometimes |
|
Cough |
Common (dry, severe) |
Common (dry or wet) |
Common (wet, persistent) |
|
Runny Nose |
Sometimes |
Sometimes |
Very common |
|
Fatigue |
Common (severe) |
Sometimes (moderate) |
Sometimes (mild to moderate) |
|
Body Aches |
Common |
Sometimes |
Rare |
|
Loss of Taste/Smell |
Rare |
Common |
Rare |
|
Breathing Issues |
Rare |
Sometimes |
Common (in young kids) |
|
Duration |
5–7 days |
7–10 days |
7–14 days |
When to Call Your Pediatrician
These viruses can often be managed at home with rest or over-the-counter medicines. If your child is eating, drinking, playing, and peeing normally, there’s usually no need to panic. Keep monitoring symptoms and watch for any changes to ensure they aren’t getting worse.
However, you should call your child’s doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.
Breathing Problems
- Fast breathing or belly moving quickly
- Wheezing or grunting sounds
- Trouble catching breath
- Retractions (skin between or under ribs pulling in when breathing)
- Nasal flaring
Signs of Dehydration
- Vomiting or diarrhea with fewer wet diapers
- Peeing less than usual
- Bloody diarrhea
Extreme Fatigue
- Too drowsy to eat, drink, or play
High Fever
- Over 104°F in any child
- Over 100.4°F in babies under 2 months (call immediately and don’t give medication until you speak to a doctor)
- Over 103°F for more than 24 hours and not improving with acetaminophen or ibuprofen
The Bottom Line
Colds, flu, COVID-19, and RSV can look very similar, and most kids will get sick multiple times a year. What matters most is how your child is coping. Stay alert for breathing issues, dehydration, and high fevers. And remember, when in doubt, call your pediatrician.
Don’t have a pediatrician? Learn more about Nemours Children’s pediatricians and find a location near you: Find a Nemours Children’s Health Primary Care Location in Florida
