Do You Know the Difference Between RSV, Cold, COVID, and the Flu?
Understanding RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects your respiratory system. While most cases are mild, RSV can lead to serious complications, especially for babies, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.
Common Symptoms
RSV is very contagious and can cause symptoms similar to a cold, including a congested or runny nose, dry cough, headache, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and sneezing. COVID-19 and the flu also may start with some of these symptoms.
Differences Between RSV and COVID
Healthy young adults rarely have complications from RSV. COVID-19 is a different story. Adults are more likely to get seriously sick from COVID starting in their 50s, but even young adults are at risk. One study found that one-fifth of those ages 25-40 were sick enough to go to a hospital.
Differences Between RSV and the Flu
RSV and the flu cause similar symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Because of the similarities, can be hard to tell the difference without a diagnostic test at your doctor's office. Older adults are more at risk for complications from both RSV and the flu, especially if they have serious health conditions.
RSV in Babies
Infants are particularly vulnerable to RSV. Symptoms in babies can be more severe and include breathing changes, irritability, fussiness, and drowsiness. If your baby shows any of these signs, contact your pediatrician.
How RSV, Colds, COVID, and the Flu Spread
All of these infections spread through tiny droplets in the air. It can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, kissing, or touching contaminated surfaces. These viruses can live for hours or longer on hard surfaces like countertops and toys.
Prevention Tips
To prevent infections, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid sharing utensils or drinking glasses. Get vaccinated against COVID and the flu. If you are over 75, or if you are older than 60 and have a serious health condition, you can get the RSV vaccine.
Photo Credit: Lucigerma/Shutterstock
SOURCES:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: "Common Cold."
Mayo Clinic: "Common Cold."
Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety: "Common Cold."
University of Virginia Health System: "Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold)."
American Academy of Pediatrics: “RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold.”
American Lung Association: “RSV in Adults," "RSV Symptoms and Diagnosis."
CDC: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)," "Recommendations," "Frequently Asked Questions About RSV Immunization with Monoclonal Antibody for Children 19 Months and Younger," "Vaccines for Adults Ages 60 and Over," "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunizations," "Masks and Respiratory Viruses Prevention," "Diagnostic Testing for RSV,” "Symptoms of COVID-19,” "Healthcare Providers: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years of Age and Over.”
Cedars Sinai: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) in Children.”
Cleveland Clinic: “RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection)," "RSV in Adults," "RSV in Babies & Children," "Bronchitis."
Forefront Dermatology: “Can RSV Cause A Rash?”
Mayo Clinic: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)," "Palivizumab (Intramuscular Route)," "Pneumonia," "Bronchiolitis," "Ear infection (middle ear)," “Common Cold,” "Is it a cold or adult RSV? 3 ways to tell.”
National Jewish Health: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).”
Nationwide Children’s: “RSV Infection (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).”
The Nemours Foundation: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV).”
NYU Langone Health: “RSV Is Spreading Among Children—Here’s Why & When to See a Doctor.”
UNC Healthtalk: “What You Need to Know About RSV.”
University of Michigan Medicine: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) in Infants and Children.”
JAMA: "RSV Infection in Older Adults."
New York State Department of Health: "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection."
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "What Is Asthma?"
MedlinePlus: "Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Tests."
Florida Health Santa Rosa County: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).”
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases: "How to Tell the Difference between Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Common Cold.”
Harvard Health Publishing: "How long does the flu last?”
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Coronavirus Diagnosis: What Should I Expect?"