Almost all children get RSV at least once by the time they turn 2 years old.
The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection resulting from different viruses, most commonlyrhinovirus.
A cold shares many symptoms with RSV but is less likely to cause severe illness.
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Babies with RSV may be irritable, fatigued, and have breathing difficulties.
Up to 10,000 older adults in the United States die from RSV complications each year.
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.
Colds are the result of an infection from a virus.
More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but colds are most commonly triggered by rhinoviruses.
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.
Get immediate medical care if you or your child are havingtrouble breathing.
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.
Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking any medications.
They would only be beneficial if a secondary bacterial infection develops.
Clearing mucus from your baby’s nose is important.
This can be done with saline and a suction bulb.
Your healthcare provider may give you a prescription for this service.
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.
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.
Abrysvo is also approved for individuals aged 18 to 59 at increased risk.
Arexvy and Abrysvo may increase the risk of developingGuillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)after the vaccine has been administered.
Pregnant peoplewhose babies will be born during RSV season can receive theRSV vaccineat weeks 32 through 36 of pregnancy.
It may be included in the baby’s routine immunizations.
Mostinfantsonly need protection from either the maternal RSV vaccine or infant immunization, but not both.
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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