As children return to school or daycare, they’re sharing germs right alongside pencils. Some of those germs are causing respiratory illnesses like RSV and COVID-19.
Coronavirus
Coronaviruses are a group of common viruses that infect the respiratory tract. The newest one is the virus that causes COVID-19. symptoms of COVID-19 may also include:
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a viral infection common in children. It spreads when a cough, a sneeze or even a loud conversation sends respiratory droplets flying through the air. RSV symptoms range from mild to severe and commonly include:
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Congestion or runny nose
- Wheezing
- Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
- Loss of appetite
Comparing Symptoms
Both COVID-19 and RSV are respiratory viruses that affects the lungs. RSV can also cause pneumonia, inflammation of airways and respiratory failure. Symptoms as:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
Children with coronavirus often have mild symptoms. Some have no symptoms at all. Adults with COVID-19 often also notice shortness of breath. Their symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. You may not totally avoid illness — but with a few preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of your child bringing home unwanted infections like colds, flu, COVID and RSV.
Here are a few prevention tips that work well for both illnesses:
- Wash your Hands with soap and water for 20 seconds at a time, especially after you use the bathroom and before you eat. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
- Keep your hands away from your mouth, nose, and eyes. For kids, that means no thumb-sucking or nose-picking.
- Ask everyone in the house to cough into their elbow or a tissue, not their hand.
- Clean and disinfect things that are often touched, like doorknobs, countertops, and toys.
- Don’t let kids share personal items like utensils or cups with anyone.
- Practice social distancing, and stay away from anyone who might be sick.
