Is It RSV Or Is It Coronavirus?

From the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

November 5, 2020

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory ailment that has symptoms very similar to those of COVID-19, such as a runny nose, coughing, wheezing and feeling fatigued. The virus generally comes around each fall, winter and spring, leaving many children and adults feeling unwell.

Almost all children will experience an RSV infection by the time they turn two years old. While most kids and adults who contract RSV will recover in a week or so, some develop severe symptoms that require additional care or even hospitalization.

“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates show that around 57,000 children younger than 5 years old are hospitalized in the United States due to RSV each year,” said SSM Health Dean Medical Group Family Medicine physician Dr. Benjamin Banks. “It’s important that parents keep an eye out for the virus, but they should also recognize that not all children will require specialized care if RSV is contracted.”

Children at greatest risk of complications include premature infants, infants ages six months or younger, children younger than two with chronic lung or heart disease, children with weakened immune systems and children who have neuromuscular disorders.

Adults who are age 65 or older, have chronic heart or lung disease, or have weakened immune systems are at highest risk of developing complications due to RSV infections. The CDC estimates that approximately 177,000 older adults are hospitalized in the U.S. due to RSV each year.

“Patients should never hesitate to schedule a virtual visit, chat with their primary care physician or go to urgent care should they be concerned about symptoms,” Banks said.

Early symptoms of RSV include: a runny nose, decreased appetite and a cough-- which may progress to wheezing. Fever can occur with RSV, but it isn’t always present.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: fever or chills, a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

“Keeping track of the timing and type of symptoms can really help us to determine what kind of illness we could be looking at,” Banks said.

Just as with COVID-19, there is currently no vaccine available for RSV. Treatment options for mild cases of RSV and COVID-19 are largely the same: get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and stay away from others until the infection has passed.

To avoid contracting or spreading respiratory infections, including RSV and COVID-19, community members are encouraged to:

• Practice frequent hand hygiene
• Keep hands away from the face, as germs spread easily this way
• Cover cough/sneezes and wear a mask or face covering
• Stay home when feeling unwell

If you are concerned about your symptoms or your child’s symptoms, contact your primary care provider. You can find an SSM Health provider online at ssmhealth.com/find-a-doctor. If you need immediate medical attention, please visit one of our Urgent Care or Emergency Room sites found in our location finder.

This press release was produced by the SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed are the author's own.