This time of year, as the season changes and the temperature drops, coughing and sneezing are heard left and right, and viruses are going around schools and communities. With so many similar symptoms — such as coughs, headaches, fevers and chills — it can be difficult to tell the difference between common viruses such as RSV, influenza and, now, COVID.

Despite the commonalities, there are some specific characteristics that can help you discern whether your child might be experiencing RSV, the flu or COVID. We will take each of these illnesses in turn.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

For most people, RSV can look like a really bad cold. For young children and those with underlying respiratory issues, it can become more serious. A child with RSV will likely experience a runny nose, a cough, fatigue and a fever. In infants and young children, you might notice respiratory difficulty, excess secretions, labored breathing and decreased appetite. In severe cases, young children may need to be hospitalized.

Influenza (flu)

Symptoms of the flu and COVID highly overlap and can be especially difficult to differentiate, so the best way to pinpoint the diagnosis is through testing. Symptoms often include fever, muscle soreness, body aches and, occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea. To be sure that it is the flu and not COVID, flu testing is available. If diagnosed within 48 hours of symptom onset, there are treatments available to help shorten the duration of illness.

COVID

While COVID symptoms are similar to the flu, loss of taste and smell are distinguishing characteristics. So, if your child has a loss of taste or smell along with other flu-like symptoms — such as fever and body aches — it is likely they have COVID, which can be confirmed through testing. In younger children and infants, COVID does not usually cause as severe of symptoms, although it still can become serious in some cases.

When to call the doctor

Whether you should make an appointment with the pediatrician depends on the severity of the symptoms. In general, these are a few signs to watch out for that indicate you should call the doctor:

• The child has a high fever that is not controlled with medication or a fever that lasts more than three days.
• The child shows any signs of labored breathing (working harder to breathe).
• The child shows signs of being dehydrated (any fewer than three or four wet diapers in a 24-hour period is a concern).

If you are ever worried about your child, do not hesitate to call the doctor. No pediatrician will ever be upset with you for leaning on the cautious side.

It is expected to be a rough season this year, although only time will tell. Parents should take preventative measures to keep their kids safe this fall and winter by making sure their kids get their flu shot,  wash their hands regularly and avoid exposure to people showing symptoms of these illnesses. In addition, it is a good idea to keep infants away from large gatherings where the spread of germs is probable.

By doing your part to keep your kids healthy and by being aware of the symptoms of RSV, the flu and COVID, you will be better prepared for whatever might come. And if your child does need to see the pediatrician, Utah Valley Pediatrics is ready to assist.

Dr. Doug Later is a pediatrician at Utah Valley Pediatrics, which serves Utah families in nine locations throughout Utah Valley.

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