Is it a Cold, Flu or RSV

When your child is ill, it can be very worrying, especially if they are having trouble breathing. Finding out exactly what is wrong with your little one can help you to decide on the correct treatment and help you to make informed decisions about how to care for your child and when to seek help from a medical professional.

Colds, influenza and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) all share similar symptoms, and it can be difficult to know which one is affecting your child, especially in the winter months when all are common illnesses. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of colds, flu and RSV in babies, including what to look out for and when you might need medical advice.

Common symptoms of colds, flu and RSV

Colds, influenza, and RSV are all viral infections that can affect the respiratory system. This is especially likely in babies and young children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory issues due to their increased sensitivity and less well-developed lungs. All three illnesses are caused by different viruses and can be difficult for babies to cope with. However, learning more about these conditions can make it easier to manage when your baby is unwell and ensure that you find the best treatment in each situation.

• The ‘common cold’ is generally a mild illness caused by rhinoviruses, and it often causes a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and reduced appetite. Colds usually last for around a week to ten days and can also be caused by other viruses.
• Flu, or influenza, is caused by influenza viruses and can be a debilitating illness. It is usually experienced as a sudden, severe illness and can involve a long and exhausting recovery. It is often characterised by a high fever and chills, muscle aches and fatigue.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is very common in babies and young children and is highly contagious. RSV can cause serious breathing problems, especially in young or premature babies or older children/adults with underlying health conditions. It often begins with similar symptoms to the common cold, but as it develops, symptoms such as wheezing, persistent coughing and difficulty breathing can affect the lower airways.

All three conditions share the following symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Congestion in the nose and throat
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Change in mood

If your baby is suffering from a cold, these symptoms will usually be fairly mild – especially the fever – and their behaviour will generally follow normal expectations. However, if these symptoms are more severe or you notice that your baby’s chest is retracting when they breathe, you may be looking at a more serious illness such as RSV.

 

Serious symptoms to look out for

If you are worried about your baby, you can always seek advice from your local pharmacist, who can help to reassure you or signpost you to further help if needed. You may wish to seek medical advice from a pharmacist or doctor if you notice behavioural changes in your child, high fever, persistent, painful coughing and difficulty breathing, including breaths that draw the skin up underneath the ribs.

If your baby is under six months old or is premature, you should exercise extreme caution when they are ill, and you should seek medical advice if you are especially concerned about any unusual symptoms your child is experiencing. If your baby is struggling to feed and is not producing wet nappies, or appears lethargic or hard to wake, you should seek medical advice immediately. You should also look out for any changes in the colour of the skin or the lips or tongue, and for rapid or laboured breathing.

With a cold, flu or RSV infection, you will often find that your child begins to improve after around five days to a week. If symptoms are worsening after this time, you should seek help to ensure that the illness has not developed into a more serious condition.

 

Caring for your baby at home

It is usually possible to manage a cold, flu or RSV illness at home, but this does not mean that you can carry on with your regular activities. Your baby will need time to rest and recover, and this will help to ensure that the illness does not get worse. You also need to minimise the risk of infecting others, so it is best to avoid spending time with other people while your child is unwell unless it is essential.

To look after your baby at home, we recommend:

Vigilance. It can be scary when your baby is unwell, and keeping a close eye on them can help to alleviate your concerns. Keep a note of your baby’s condition and monitor their temperature with a reliable digital thermometer so that you are immediately aware if the illness becomes worse. This will help to reassure you and enable you to seek medical attention quickly if things change. You should also keep an eye on behaviour and feeding patterns to give you a complete picture of how your child is coping with their illness.

 

Hydration. Staying hydrated is very important whenever someone is ill, and this is especially vital for babies. You should offer normal feeds regularly, whether your baby is breastfeeding or using formula. Even if your baby has been vomiting, you should continue to offer normal feeds to ensure that the natural salts and sugars in the body are replenished. Small, frequent feeds can help to maintain balance in the body and prevent dehydration.

 

Protect the environment. Ensure that your baby is spending time in an environment that is conducive to recovery, perhaps considering a dehumidifier or air purifier to promote clean air. The room in which your baby spends time, especially when they are sleeping, should be cool and free from strong smells or chemicals. Anything you can do to make breathing easier for your child will allow them to heal more effectively, and you may consider safe steam inhalation to help clear the airways if your little one is congested.

 

Practice good hygiene. Keeping yourself free of infection may be tricky while you are caring for your child, but washing your hands regularly and keeping your home clean will help you and others to fight off infection. It is also important to remember that many viruses and illnesses do not affect adults and older children in the same way as they affect babies. Limit contact with people you know to be ill, including family members, to protect your baby, and ensure that you clean door handles, household surfaces and toys routinely.

 

Healthcare Advice at WonderCare

At WonderCare, we can offer dietary and lifestyle advice to reduce the risk of contracting an illness and help you to recover more quickly. We can recommend products to help relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and RSV infections, and we can help you to find the best options for every member of your family.

Our range includes a variety of healthcare, skincare and beauty products in store and online, as well as lifestyle products and gifts. We offer delivery across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK, and shipping is free on orders over €60. You can shop online for delivery direct to your door or pop in and meet our friendly team.