September through May is the period usually defined as flu season, when it’s crucial to be vigilant about your family’s health.
The challenge during this time, however, is telling differences between the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) since all have similar symptoms. So when your child has a collection of symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, or chills, what’s next?
Infection prevention experts at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, including Michael Smit, MD, MSPH, Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control, and Marisa Glucoft, MPH, Vice President of Quality Improvement and Patient Safety, explain when to seek medical care, whether it’s possible to have multiple infections at the same time, and the importance of staying up to date with immunizations.
What’s the difference between the common cold, the flu, RSV and COVID-19?
Each of these illnesses are caused by different viruses.
Rhinovirus (The common cold):
- Can spread year-round
- Symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, slight cough
- Severity: typically mild-moderate
- No vaccine available
Influenza (the flu)
- Seasonal cycle, typically September-May
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, other respiratory symptoms
- Severity: Typically moderate-severe and can include death
- Yearly vaccine available for ages 6 months and older
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Can spread year-round, with peaks mimicking flu season
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, congestion, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell
- Severity: Mild-moderate; Can be severe in immunocompromised individuals or adults and can include death
- Yearly vaccine available for ages 6 months and older
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Seasonal cycle, October-March
- Symptoms: Can mimic a cold, with potential for fever and more severe respiratory symptoms
- Severity: Typically mild-moderate; Can be severe in infants, older adults, or immunocompromised individuals, causing pneumonia or bronchiolitis
- One-time vaccine available during infancy
Frequently asked questions
With such similar symptoms, is there a more definitive way to tell if someone has the cold, the flu, RSV or COVID-19?
Unfortunately, not without testing—and that is the challenge. Your doctor might order a test if your child has overlapping symptoms. For the majority of cases where symptoms are mild or moderate, it may not be necessary to distinguish the specific illness, but more severe symptoms may require a test to help the doctor determine the most effective treatment.
Is it possible to have the cold, the flu, RSV or COVID-19 at the same time?
Co-infections can happen and tend to make symptoms more severe. All of these viruses have the potential to be contagious for a long time, meaning it’s also possible to get them one after another.
Why is getting the flu shot especially important for children?
Public health recommendations from the California Department of Public Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics advise that everyone over 6 months of age get the flu and COVID-19 vaccine every year. Infants should also receive the RSV vaccine shortly before or during their first RSV season.
Getting these vaccines doesn’t mean you’ll never get sick, but they do an amazing job at helping to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This is especially true for younger kids who are at high risk for having more severe complications with some of these illnesses.
Additionally, all the things we focused on during the COVID-19 pandemic—washing our hands, physically distancing, wearing masks—are great for preventing the spread of these illnesses.
Is there an optimal time to get yearly flu and COVID shot?
The earlier you get your yearly immunizations, the longer you’re protected. If you wait too long, you run the risk of forgetting or, even worse, getting the flu before you’re immunized.
Should kids stay home after getting the flu shot or COVID vaccine?
This isn’t necessary unless your child has a fever or is feeling unwell. These side effects associated with the vaccines do not typically last beyond 24 to 48 hours. If they do, call your child’s pediatrician, as a persistent fever is unlikely to be vaccine related.
Can I get my COVID and flu shot in the same day?
There have been many studies that have shown the flu shot can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine without problems. If both are available, just get them done the same day.
