First Aid News
RSV in the news
COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are together driving a wave of respiratory illnesses. But all three have very similar symptoms that overlap.
Wait, what's RSV again?
It stands for respiratory syncytial virus, which causes respiratory infections.
RSV is one of about 200 viruses that can cause a cold — which is very common.
Most cases of illness caused by RSV are mild.
But it can lead to serious illness for young children, the elderly, and people with immunosuppressive conditions.
Contracting the virus can lead to chest infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
It can also cause ear infections and the coughing associated with the illness can worsen asthma symptoms.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Usually, the first symptoms are:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Decreased appetite
Typically, most cases go away after about two weeks.
So what's the difference between COVID, RSV, and the flu?
All three have very similar symptoms that overlap.
COVID, influenza, and RSV are all respiratory diseases.
They have differences in the characteristics of the illnesses they cause, how they are transmitted, and their impact.
- COVID poses the biggest risk to those who are older
- RSV poses the biggest threat to young children
- Influenza poses the biggest threat to young children, older adults, and pregnant women.
What are the differences in symptoms?
These are the symptoms for each.
| Signs and symptoms | COVID-19 | RSV | Flu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fever | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common |
| Cough | Common | Common | Common |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Sometimes |
| Shortness of breath | Sometimes | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Fatigue | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Loss of taste and/or smell | Sometimes | Rarely | Sometimes |
| Body aches/pain | Sometimes | Rarely | Common |
| Headache | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Stuffy/runny nose | Common | Common | Sometimes |
| Diarrhea | Rarely | Rarely | Sometimes (in children) |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes | No |
| Vomiting | Sometimes | Rarely | Rare in adults/common in children |
Source: healthdirect/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention