How to Tell if It’s a Cold, the Flu, Allergies or COVID-19
Find out how to tell the difference between cold, flu, allergies and COVID-19 with easy tips on spotting symptoms and knowing when to seek care.
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RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that nearly all children get before age two. Most cases are mild, but for some people it can lead to complications. The key is to know the signs of RSV and when to get help. You don’t have to face RSV season alone. We’re here to help prevent RSV, manage symptoms and protect your family’s health.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat and lungs. In most cases it feels like a common cold, but it can become serious for babies, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system.
RSV Symptoms
Symptoms for RSV can look different depending on your age and overall health. Recognizing the signs early can help you know when to rest at home and when it’s time to seek care.
Many RSV symptoms overlap across age groups, including:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Fatigue
While adults and older children usually experience mild RSV symptoms, RSV can be more serious in babies and toddlers because their airways are smaller. In addition to the symptoms above, watch for:
- Fast or labored breathing (skin pulls in toward the lungs with each breath)
- Wheezing or grunting sounds
- Irritability or unusual fussiness
- Poor feeding or difficulty nursing or bottle-feeding
- Pauses in breathing, especially in very young infants
If you notice any of these RSV symptoms in your baby or toddler, it’s important to call your child’s pediatrician right away.
How is RSV diagnosed?
RSV is usually diagnosed with a physical exam. Your provider may listen to you or your child’s breathing, ask about symptoms and, in some cases, order a nasal swab RSV test.
What is the treatment for RSV?
Most cases of RSV can be managed at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever and ease discomfort. Always check with your child’s provider before giving over-the-counter cold medicine as some ingredients may not be safe for children.
Call your provider or visit the nearest urgent care right away if:
- Your child has trouble breathing, is very tired or isn’t drinking enough fluids
- You or your child have a high fever that doesn’t improve with medicine
- Symptoms suddenly get worse
In severe cases, you or your child may need to go to the hospital for oxygen, IV fluids or other treatments.
How to Prevent RSV
Protecting yourself and your loved ones from RSV starts with understanding how you get RSV and practicing healthy habits. RSV spreads through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes or touches surfaces that carry the virus.
You can protect yourself from RSV by:
- Washing your hands often
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Getting an RSV shot if you are eligible
If you have a child who is an infant:
- Wash your hands often, especially before touching your baby
- Limit exposure of your baby to crowded places during RSV season (October 1-March 31)
- Ask sick visitors to postpone visits and consider using masks around newborns
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and toys that baby frequently touches
- Ask your child’s provider about getting an RSV shot
Get Your RSV Shot
The RSV shot is a safe and effective way to help protect children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems this RSV season. There are many convenient options to get you or your child vaccinated, including through OSF Medical Group – Primary Care.
If you receive your shot elsewhere, like a retail pharmacy, you'll want to let your primary care provider or your child's pediatrician know so they can update their records.
Not sure if the RSV shot is right for you or your child? Talk to your provider or pediatrician. They can provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
FAQ
Is RSV contagious?
Yes. People with RSV are usually contagious for three to eight days after symptoms start. Babies and those with weakened immune systems can spread RSV for up to four weeks, even after symptoms improve.
How long does RSV last?
For babies and toddlers, RSV symptoms can last one to two weeks, with cough sometimes lasting longer. In adults, most recover in about a week, though fatigue and cough may linger.
Can adults get RSV?
Yes. While symptoms in adults are often mild, RSV can be more dangerous for older adults or those with chronic health conditions, including heart or cardiovascular disease, chronic lung or respiratory conditions and diabetes with complications.
When should I see a doctor for RSV?
Children should see a provider if they have fast or difficult breathing, aren’t drinking enough fluids or seem unusually tired. Adults should seek care if symptoms are severe or worsen suddenly.
Can you get RSV more than once?
Yes. People can get RSV multiple times, though the first infection tends to be the most severe.
What is the difference between croup and RSV?
RSV is a virus, while croup describes a condition, often caused by RSV or other viruses, that leads to swelling in the airway and a barking cough in children.
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