Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisSelf-CarePrescriptions and TreatmentsDurationPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Self-Care
Prescriptions and Treatments
Duration
Prevention
Both colds and RSV have symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat, and decrease in appetite. Babies with RSV may be irritable, fatigued, and have breathing difficulties.
A barking or wheezing cough could be a sign that the RSV virus has spread to the lower respiratory tract, possibly leading to pneumonia or bronchiolitis.While RSV is mild for most people, it can lead to hospitalization for some. Up to 10,000 older adults in the United States die from RSV complications each year.
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How to Tell RSV and Cold Symptoms Apart
RSVand cold symptoms overlap quite a bit, but there are some distinctions.
Cold or RSVCoughStuffy or runny noseFeverSneezingSore throatHeadacheFussiness in babies
Cough
Stuffy or runny nose
Fever
Sneezing
Sore throat
Headache
Fussiness in babies
Fast breathing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Worsening of chronic respiratory conditions
Associated with developing bronchiolitis
Similarities
RSV and colds can causesymptomssuch as:
Both RSV and colds can lead to illnesses such as pneumonia (an infection of the lungs) andbronchiolitis(inflammation of the small airways in the lungs), particularly in those with risk factors such as a weakened immune system and respiratory conditions.RSV is the most common virus associated with bronchiolitis.
Differences
RSV can cause cold symptoms andadditional symptomssuch as:
In babies with RSV (particularly if severe), there may be:
Vaccines are available for people who are at risk of serious RSV.
There are no vaccines for colds because so many different viruses cause them.
RSV vs. Cold Viral Causes
RSV is a virus that affects the respiratory system.
RSV and colds are spread in a similar way:
Having RSV or a cold does not prevent you from getting it again.
Groups Prone to Severe Symptoms
There is ahigher riskfor severe illness from RSV in adults who:
Infants and children who are at a higher risk of severe illness from RSV include:
RSV can lead to or worsen conditions such as:
RSV vs. Cold vs. COVID
Symptoms of RSV, cold, and COVID-19 overlap. It can be difficult to distinguish between them without testing, but there are some distinctions.
RSV:
Cold:
COVID-19:
Testing to Diagnose RSV and Cold
If needed, lung function testing may be performed, such as a chest X-ray, oxygen saturation test, or computed tomography (CT) scan. Blood and urinary cultures may also be performed (bronchiolitis related to RSV can occur with a urinary tract infection in newborns).
It can be hard to know whether or not to contact a healthcare provider or to wait out what might be a cold. If you aren’t sure, or you are concerned, call a healthcare provider, particularly if you or your child have risks for more serious illness with RSV or other respiratory conditions such as COVID-19 (in some cases, antiviral medications may be used early into the illness).
Get immediate medical care if you or your child are havingtrouble breathing. In an infant or child, this may look like:
Also, get immediate medical attention if your child has symptoms such as:
Call your healthcare provider for symptoms such as:
Differential Diagnosis With COVID, Sinus Infection, and Flu
Some symptoms of asinus infectioncan also overlap with these illnesses, including cough, nasal congestion, headache, and fever. Sinus infections may also cause symptoms such as yellow or green nasal discharge, facial pain or pressure, and postnasal drip.
Evidence-Based Home Remedies and Self-Care
There is no specific treatment for colds and RSV. Treatment of minor symptoms involves managing comfort while the virus runs its course. More serious symptoms may need medical treatment.
For adults, over-the-counter (OTC) medications for pain, fever, or cold symptoms may help you feel more comfortable. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medications. If you are taking more than one medication, check the ingredients as they can overlap, and taking them together may result in taking too much.
Children over 6 months old can be givenTylenol(acetaminophen) or Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen) as directed for fever. Children under 6 years old should not have OTC cough or cold medications as this can lead to serious and possibly life-threatening side effects.Do not give aspirin or aspirin-containing medications to any child or teen due to the risk ofReye syndrome.
Some ways to helpmanage symptomsand feel more comfortable include:
Prescribed Treatments
Antibioticsdo not help with viral infections. They would only be beneficial if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Hospitalization may be necessary in more severe cases of RSV. Hospitalization is most common in infants younger than 6 months and older adults. Hospitalization happens in about 2 to 3 out of every 100 infants with RSV.
Treatment at a hospital may include:
How Long Virus Lasts in RSV and Cold
Cold symptoms typically start within a few days of becoming infected and canlast up to 10 to 14 days.
Symptoms of RSV are typically worse on days three through five of illness. On average, symptoms last seven to 14 days.
Recovery may take longer in older adults or in more serious cases.
RSV is typically contagious for three to eight days, and those infected may become contagious one or two days before developing symptoms. Some infants and people with weakened immune systems may continue to transmit the virus for up to four weeks, even after they stop having symptoms.
RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces (such as tables and crib rails) but typically lives on soft surfaces for a shorter amount of time.
How to Limit Infection Exposure
To helplimit the spread of RSV and cold viruses:
RSV Vaccines
The Food and Drug Administration has approved threeRSV vaccinesfor the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease: Arexvy for those aged 50 and older, and Abrysvo and mResvia for those aged 60 and older. Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk. Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
The Centers for Disease Control and Preventionrecommends RSV vaccines for all adults 75 years and olderand for adults aged 60 to 74 who:
The RSV vaccine can be given to eligible adults at any time, but it is recommended to get it in late summer or early fall before RSV typically starts tospread seasonally. One of the vaccines, Abrysvo, is also approved for adults aged 18 to 59 who are at increased risk of lower respiratory tract disease.
Mostinfantsonly need protection from either the maternal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, but not both.
Children under 24 months old with certain conditions that put them at high risk for severe RSV may receive a product called Synagis (palivizumab), given as an injection once a month during RSV season.
Summary
RSV and colds share similar symptoms in most people. However, some people experience more serious illness, which may require hospitalization. Infants, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions are at a higher risk for serious illness.
There is no specific treatment for RSV or colds; they typically just run their course. However, measures can be taken to help you or your child feel more comfortable as you get better.
RSV vaccinationsand inoculations are available for infants, pregnant people, older adults, and others who qualify.
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