COVID-19, Flu, RSV, Cold, or Allergies? Find Out What's Causing Your Child's Symptoms

Allergies vs Covid-19 vs Colds vs RSV vs Flu? The Differences Between Children’s Upper Respiratory Conditions

It's a tough call, isn't it? Allergies, COVID-19, the common cold, the flu, and RSV can all look similar in kids, which can be a stressful head-scratcher. Let’s break down some of the key differences:

Children’s Allergy Symptoms

Allergies in kids can stir up quite a storm of symptoms, from itchy, watery eyes to sneezing fits and the sniffles. Unlike the flu or COVID-19, allergies usually don't bring fever or body aches along for the ride. Common allergy symptoms in kids include:

The time of year can be a clue to help determine the cause of your child’s symptoms. Seasonal allergies are most common when pollen levels are high. Allergy symptoms also often stick around if the allergen or trigger is still present which is usually much longer than cold or flu symptoms.

Children’s Cold Symptoms

The common cold is caused by a viral visitor to the nose and throat, often leaving a runny nose, sore throat, and mild fever in its wake. It's a pesky but usually not serious bug that your little one's body can tackle on its own. If the symptoms are sticking around or seem severe, a visit to the pediatrician is a smart move.

Children’s Flu Symptoms

The flu is a tricky bug, caused by influenza viruses that can really throw a wrench in your child's day. Symptoms might include fever, chills, body aches, a cough, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea can also show up in children. It's not something to take lightly, especially for little ones under five years old, as it can lead to more serious complications.

If your child is feeling under the weather, it's best to have them checked out by a pediatrician. There are antiviral meds that can help them get back on their feet and reduce the risk of complications.

Children’s Covid-19 Symptoms

Generally, COVID-19 symptoms in kids and babies are milder than those in adults, and some kids who are infected may not have any symptoms.⁹ Keep an eye out for things like fever, cough, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems (like bellyache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). Testing is the best way to know for sure if your child has COVID-19. If your little one is feeling poorly, especially with multiple symptoms or if they're severe, it's time to touch base with your pediatrician.

Children’s RSV Symptoms

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a pretty common bug that can make your child feel under the weather. It often shows up with symptoms like a cough, wheezing, fever, and trouble breathing, and can even put a damper on their appetite.⁷

Since RSV is more likely to affect the littlest ones, like infants, and can be more serious if your child has other health issues, it's always a good idea to have them checked out by a doctor if you're concerned.

Treating Your Child’s Respiratory Symptoms

The approach to treatment will depend on the root cause.

• Allergies? Children’s ZYRTEC® allergy relief products can be a game-changer, tackling those itchy, watery eyes, sneezes, and runny noses.

• The common cold? Over-the-counter remedies like Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Liquid Medicine can help your little one battle that cough, sore throat, and congestion.

• If it's the flu, antiviral meds might be in the cards to keep complications at bay.

• RSV is usually minor and similar to a cold and symptoms can be treated with over the counter medications. However, RSV can be serious for babies, younger children and older adults.The takeaway? The right treatment is key to your child's recovery. Always loop in a healthcare professional for the full scoop on what's ailing your child and the best way to help them bounce back.