As temperatures drop and children return to classrooms, many parents brace for what can feel like a nonstop season of coughs, sniffles, and fevers. Common respiratory illnesses—including the cold, influenza (flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and croup—are circulating widely, and school or day care attendance can increase children’s exposure. Because these illnesses often share symptoms, it can be difficult to tell them apart.
Recognizing Symptoms
Early signs of respiratory illness in children tend to look similar. A cold typically brings cough, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, fussiness, swollen neck glands, and low-grade fever. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children can catch eight to 10 colds in their first two years.
Flu symptoms resemble a cold but are usually more severe, often including fever or chills, fatigue, headache, body aches, nasal congestion, vomiting, or diarrhea. Children under 5, particularly those under 2, face higher risks of flu complications.
COVID-19 in kids often presents with fever, fatigue, cough, nasal congestion, headache, and sometimes loss of taste or smell. While many children experience mild or no symptoms, those with underlying conditions may develop more serious illness.
RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms in toddlers and infants—such as coughing, congestion, runny nose, and fever—but can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in infants under 6 months. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 1.
Croup, often caused by parainfluenza viruses, produces swelling in the windpipe and voice box. Its hallmark signs include a barky cough, hoarseness, stridor (a musical sound when inhaling), noisy breathing, and sometimes fever.
When to Seek Medical Care
Breathing problems and dehydration are the two major warning signs that require prompt attention. Parents should seek emergency care if a child is breathing rapidly or with great effort, struggling to catch their breath, turning blue, or showing worsening stridor. Dehydration signs include fewer wet diapers (less than six per day for infants), dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken soft spots on the head, or decreased activity.
Prevention Strategies
While it’s not always possible to avoid respiratory infections, prevention steps can reduce risk:
- Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Keep children home when they are sick to avoid spreading illness.
- Ensure children are up to date on recommended vaccinations, including flu and COVID-19 shots.
- Clean high-touch surfaces regularly.
- Promote good respiratory etiquette, like covering coughs and sneezes.
Parents unsure about their child’s symptoms should contact their pediatrician. Early guidance can help manage mild illnesses at home and ensure that serious conditions receive timely care.
Source: UPMC Health