Should parents expect a tridemic this fall and winter?

What is RSV?

Most children get RSV at least once by the time they turn two. RSV is one of the most common causes of childhood illness and the leading cause of hospitalization in infants under age one. RSV can affect adults, too.

RSV usually starts like a cold, causing a runny nose, cough and sneezing. Children may be fussy or lose their appetite. 
However, some people are at higher risk for severe symptoms, which can lead to pneumonia (lung infection) and bronchiolitis (an infection in the small airways in the lung). These people include:

• Premature infants
• Babies younger than six months old
• People over 65
• People who have a weakened immune system, chronic lung disease or certain types of congenital heart, neurological or neuromuscular conditions

More severe symptoms in children can include cold symptoms plus issues related to breathing, such as wheezing, “belly breathing,” rhythmic grunting and head bobbing during breathing.

The flu and COVID-19: A quick review

Most people are more familiar with the flu and COVID-19 than with RSV. These two conditions share many symptoms, including fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea. The one symptom unique to COVID-19 is a change in or loss of taste or smell. 

Both COVID-19 and the flu can result in severe illness and complications. People at the highest risk include older adults, people with certain underlying medical conditions and pregnant women.

What should I do if my child is sick?

If your child exhibits mild to moderate symptoms of these illnesses, keep them home to prevent others from getting sick. Give your child fluids, rest and over-the-counter pain or fever reducers, as needed. As a parent, it’s essential to trust your instincts: call your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns. The following symptoms may warrant a call:

• Concerns for all three illnesses: Persistent high fever or shortness of breath
• For COVID-19: Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, difficulty waking up or staying awake, and blueish skin, lips or nail beds
• For the flu: Faintness, severe sore throat or a cough with lots of mucus
• For RSV: Blueish skin, lips or nail beds, in addition to high fever and difficulty breathing
  

How can I protect my kids from getting these viruses? 

Getting the flu shot and keeping up to date on COVID vaccines and boosters are the best ways to protect your family from contracting these viruses or developing severe symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine to prevent RSV—although several pharmaceutical companies are working on developing one. Everyone can help prevent the spread of these viruses by following the guidance we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Teach children how to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds and how to use hand sanitizer. 
• Clean surfaces that get touched a lot (like doorknobs, counters, phones, etc.). 
• If you have sick kids or other family members in your home with any symptoms, try to distance them from people without symptoms.
• Limit exposure to secondhand smoke

And remember: if your child becomes ill and you are worried, seek help. Your child’s healthcare provider is likely very familiar with these conditions and will make sure your child receives the care they need.