When your child has a stuffy nose, cough, and fever, it can be hard to know if they’re dealing with the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each of these common childhood illnesses shares symptoms, but there are differences to be aware of. Here's a guide to help you recognize the symptoms and understand when to call the doctor.

What Are the Differences?

Many viral infections like COVID, the flu, the common cold, and RSV cause overlapping symptoms. However, there are ways to differentiate them:

RSV: Symptoms of RSV can include a fever, cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, and fast or short breaths. You might notice flaring nostrils, wheezing, grunting, and poor feeding or loss of appetite. A telltale sign of RSV is head bobbing or chest caving in between the ribs when breathing. Symptoms typically worsen between days 3 and 5 and can last for 7 to 14 days.
Flu: Flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, body aches, dry cough, fatigue, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after being exposed to the flu virus.
COVID-19: Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, shortness of breath, sore throat, and headache. In some cases, children may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of taste and smell. Symptoms generally appear between 2 to 14 days after infection.
Common Cold: The common cold may cause a mild fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose. Colds are usually upper respiratory infections that children can get multiple times a year.

When Should You Call the Pediatrician?

If your child shows any of the following signs, it's important to contact your pediatrician:

Rapid breathing, wheezing, or nostrils flaring
Chest caving in with each breath
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Vomiting for more than 24 hours
Bloody diarrhea
High fever (above 104°F) in older children or above 100.4°F in infants under 2 months old
Poor feeding or signs of dehydration
Severe drowsiness or illness

Can Children Have Multiple Infections at Once?

Yes, it's possible for children to be infected with more than one virus simultaneously, such as having both the flu and COVID-19. Secondary infections like bronchiolitis, pneumonia, ear infections, or sinus infections may also develop. Testing may be necessary to confirm the exact cause of the illness.

Prevention Tips During Virus Season

Vaccinations are a crucial way to protect your child from serious illnesses. Staying current on immunizations helps protect both your child and others who are at higher risk for complications.

Flu Vaccine: Recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Getting vaccinated early ensures protection throughout the flu season.
COVID Vaccine: The updated vaccine is recommended for children 6 months and older. Ask your pediatrician when your child should receive their next dose.
RSV Immunizations: Nirsevimab is recommended for infants under 8 months during their first RSV season, as well as some older high-risk children. Pregnant individuals may also receive the RSVpreF vaccine to protect their newborns.

Teach children good hygiene habits, like covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and washing hands frequently. Wearing a mask in public spaces can also help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

Remember
If your child shows any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician for advice. Keeping up with routine immunizations and regular checkups is vital to ensuring your child’s overall health.