As the rainy season approaches, it welcomes the spread of viruses such as RSV and Influenza. These 2 viruses are easily contracted and have cold-like symptoms. Both RSV and flu spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes, or contact with contaminated hands, toys, and surfaces. Despite being common, these illnesses are best avoided for your child’s well-being. Learn more about the differences between RSV and influenza, how they spread, and the most effective ways to prevent them. Stay informed and keep your children healthy this rainy season.
What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is caused by a virus that spreads easily among children through coughing, sneezing, and contact with saliva or nasal secretions. When children are in close contact, such as in schools or playgrounds, the virus can spread quickly and easily.›
Symptoms of flu, which can be similar to common cold symptoms, can be more severe in children than in adults, and often include:
- – High fever (reaching or exceeding 39°c)
- – Cough and runny nose
- – Muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite
- – Vomiting and diarrhea
What is RSV?
RSV, known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under 5 years old. Studies show that 90% of children under 2 get infected at least once, and 50% or more of those infected require hospitalizations and close medical monitoring due to complications. Symptoms of RSV, which can also be similar to common cold symptoms, include:
- – Runny nose, cough, possibly wheezing
- – Reduced appetite
- – Decreased playfulness
- – Irritability
- – Irregular breathing or heartbeat
What are the Differences Between Influenza and RSV?
RSV and Influenza are both contagious respiratory illnesses that display flu-like symptoms. While both viruses spread through respiratory secretion and contaminated surfaces, there are three main distinctions between these diseases:
- Affected group: RSV is most common and potentially severe in infants and toddlers under 2 years old. Influenza can affect individuals of all ages, though young children are at higher risk of complications.
- Symptoms: Both have symptoms similar to those of a common cold, such as a runny nose, cough, and fever. However, RSV may progress to wheezing, difficulty breathing, and bronchiolitis, particularly in infants. Influenza often causes high fever, body aches, fatigue and vomiting.
- Treatment: Influenza can be treated with antiviral medication. In contrast, RSV has no specific antiviral treatment, and care focuses on relieving symptoms.
Prevention: What Can Parents Do?
The annual flu vaccination is the best prevention against influenza, as the influenza virus mutates every year. The vaccine not only helps prevent flu infection, it reduces the severity of the symptoms if the child catches the flu. The vaccines can be administered to children aged 6 months and above. Key benefits of the flu vaccine include:
- – Prevention of the spread of the virus in families, schools, and communities.
- – Reduced risk of complications
- – Lowered need for hospital visits
Monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab) is available for the prevention of RSV. Nirsevimab is a single-dose antibody that offers immediate protection. It is recommended for children from newborns up to 2 years old. Nirsevimab offers benefits including:
- – 79.5% reduced risk of RSV infection
- – 83.2% reduced hospitalization from RSV-related lower respiratory infection
- – 75.3% reduced severity and ICU admission
To protect your child during the rainy season, early prevention is key. Both RSV and influenza can lead to serious complications, but they are preventable. Don’t wait until symptoms appear—consult with a pediatrician about the right protection for your child. Keep your children healthy through prevention.
