If you’ve been watching the news, you probably would have seen that cases of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are on the rise, earlier than expected this year. WIth COVID, the flu and other respiratory illnesses also circulating, how can we possibly tell the difference between them?

Here are a few helpful tips in determining what your child might be coming down with. Of course, this does not take the place of receiving medical attention.

RSV: congestion, cough, runny nose, fever, sneezing, wheezing, decreased appetite

COVID: congestion, cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body aches, decrease in smell or taste, diarrhea, vomiting

FLU: congestion, runny nose, fever, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, nausea/diarrhea/vomiting (sometimes), headache, cough that gets worse

It’s possible to be infected with more than one virus at the same time. Medical doctors are able to perform a test in their office to determine if the child is experiencing the flu or RSV. Even if a child has a negative covid test but is showing symptoms, they should remain home, resting, and consuming plenty of fluids.

Head to the emergency room or your doctor’s office immediately if your child is refusing to eat, not urinating and having a hard time breathing (loud breaths, wheezing or struggling to inhale), or if their fever is going on more than four days.

If you’re curious about their lungs, or a cough that’s been holding on for weeks, I am happy to assess their breathing and lungs in their next appointment.