Remember when 2020 was all about social distancing and universal mask-wearing? Many of us remarked how we hadn’t been sick in months. While isolation was challenging, the lack of illness was a silver lining, right?
Fast forward to today, and the situation has changed. Though some continue to practice social distancing and wear masks, many have relaxed these habits—especially after vaccines became available and social gatherings resumed. Schools, camps, and daycares have reopened, often without mask mandates.
This shift has created a perfect environment not only for a resurgence of COVID-19 (thanks to variants like Delta) but also for various other viruses to circulate. Among the most concerning is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a formidable respiratory virus that poses significant risks to infants and young children.
RSV is Surging Early and Impacting Young Children Severely
Typically, RSV peaks in the fall, winter, and spring. However, indications of an early resurgence appeared as early as June. The CDC issued a memo on June 10, noting a spike in RSV cases in the Southern U.S. and advising healthcare providers to test children for RSV if they presented respiratory symptoms yet tested negative for COVID. The memo highlighted that RSV infections had been at lower levels during the early pandemic due to safety measures, but were on the rise since April 2021.
The CDC cautioned that older infants and toddlers could be particularly vulnerable to severe RSV, as many children are normally exposed to the virus multiple times during childhood, building immunity over time. With a lack of exposure for over 15 months, children who contract RSV for the first time may experience more serious illness.
What Are the Symptoms of RSV?
Like many viruses, RSV can range from mild to severe. Almost all children encounter RSV during early childhood, developing some immunity as they age. For older kids and adults, RSV is generally not serious (except for older adults, who can face severe cases). However, it can be dangerous for infants and toddlers.
According to the CDC, RSV causes around 58,000 hospitalizations annually among young children, with 100 to 500 fatalities. This is undeniably alarming.
Common RSV symptoms are akin to those of a cold, including congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. Many children may also develop a fever and exhibit fatigue with decreased appetite.
The risk escalates for younger children, as RSV can severely affect their lungs and breathing. It can lead to wheezing, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis—an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. I personally witnessed the challenges of bronchiolitis when my son faced it as a toddler; he required oral steroids and intense nebulizer treatments, and his lung health was impacted long-term.
The CDC highlights that RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year old. Those hospitalized for severe RSV often need assistance with breathing and hydration, and may require oxygen, intubation, or ventilation. RSV is no joke.
How Can You Differentiate Between RSV and COVID?
Both RSV and COVID-19 share numerous symptoms in young children: congestion, runny nose, fever, and cough. Distinguishing between the two can be difficult without testing, so it’s crucial to have your child tested whenever they show respiratory symptoms. In these times, it’s vital to avoid assuming an illness is “just a cold,” as testing is essential to prevent the spread of COVID.
However, there are some potential differences to watch for. According to health experts, children with RSV may experience more pronounced breathing difficulties compared to those with COVID-19. They may also show increased symptoms like appetite loss and irritability. Notably, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
On the other hand, COVID-19 can result in more enduring issues, including symptoms like “brain fog” and loss of taste and smell, which are more characteristic of COVID, even in the absence of significant congestion.
While both viruses share similarities, it’s nearly impossible to identify which one your child has without a test. So, don’t attempt to self-diagnose; get them tested.
Co-Infection with COVID and RSV
Both COVID-19 and RSV are widespread and can be serious for children. Unfortunately, some kids are contracting both viruses simultaneously. While some manage this dual infection without severe complications, others experience heightened symptoms.
Reports indicate that hospitals, like Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, are seeing a significant number of children hospitalized with both RSV and COVID. The combination can lead to a hospitalization rate that surpasses that of each virus individually.
How to Protect Your Children
With pediatric hospitals currently facing the highest rates of COVID-19 since the pandemic began and RSV infections surging, the situation for our children is precarious. Given this context—alongside the Delta variant affecting both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals—it’s wise to return to indoor masking and other COVID safety measures.
Fortunately, precautions like masks and social distancing can help mitigate the spread of both RSV and COVID. It’s a tough reality, and I share in the desire for the pandemic to end soon. Yet, we must take every possible measure to safeguard the most vulnerable among us.
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Summary
RSV cases are rising earlier than usual this year, particularly among young children, raising concerns about severe illness. The CDC has emphasized the importance of testing for RSV, especially when respiratory symptoms arise. Symptoms can mimic those of COVID-19, making differentiation challenging without testing. Both viruses pose serious health risks, and some children are even contracting both simultaneously. To protect our kids, it’s crucial to resume safety measures such as indoor masking.
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