Flu, COVID, and RSV: What Parents Need to Know About Respiratory Illnesses This Winte

Winter is peak season for respiratory illnesses, and for parents, knowing what symptoms to look for — and when to seek care — can make all the difference. Over the past few years, influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have become the three most common viral illnesses affecting children during the colder months. While they share many similarities, each virus behaves differently, affects children differently, and may require different levels of care.

At TrustCare Kids, we know how stressful it can be for parents when your child suddenly develops a cough, fever, or trouble breathing – and want to help you understand how these illnesses differ, what symptoms to watch for, and when urgent care is the right choice.

Why Winter Brings More Illness

Viruses thrive in colder, drier conditions. Kids spend more time indoors (schools, daycares, etc.) with close contact to others, and their immune systems are still developing — making them more vulnerable to respiratory infections. Outside winter activities also increase opportunities for viruses to spread.

Because Flu, COVID, and RSV can look alike in the early stages, understanding key differences helps families respond quickly and appropriately. Flu Symptoms in Children

Influenza often hits fast and hard. Parents frequently report that their child seemed fine in the morning and very sick by the afternoon. Flu tends to produce higher fevers and more intense early symptoms, including:

• Sudden high fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Runny or stuffy nose

Unlike COVID or RSV, the flu is more likely to cause intense body aches and extreme tiredness, even in young children. Some children develop ear infections, sinus infections, or pneumonia after the flu. Antiviral medications may help reduce severity if started early, so prompt evaluation is important.

COVID-19 Symptoms in Children

COVID-19 continues to circulate, and sometimes has a more gradual onset than the flu. While most children experience mild illness, some can become moderately or significantly sick — particularly very young children or those with underlying health conditions.

Children with COVID may develop loss of taste or smell, although this symptom has become less common with newer variants. Other common COVID symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Muscle aches
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If your child demonstrates any of these more severe signs, you are encouraged to see care quickly:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Persistent chest pain
• Severe dehydration (very few wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears)
• Unusual drowsiness or confusion
• Symptoms lasting more than a week

RSV Symptoms in Children

RSV is one of the most common winter viruses among infants and toddlers, and it is particularly known for causing illnesses such as bronchiolitis. In older children, RSV may look like nothing more than a typical cold, but in babies—especially those under one year old—it can escalate more seriously. Common RSV symptoms include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Fever
• Fussiness
• Decreased appetite

RSV can make breathing difficult very quickly in infants. Seek medical attention immediately if your child shows any of these severe warning signs that the lungs are working too hard:

• Wheezing
• Fast, shallow, or labored breathing
• Nostrils flaring
• Chest “retractions” (skin pulling in around ribs when breathing)
• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Trouble feeding

Comparing the Three: What’s the Difference?

Because these three viruses share early symptoms, distinguishing among them based on observation alone is often difficult:

• Flu and COVID, for example, can both cause fever, coughing, headaches, and fatigue, though flu tends to be more abrupt and more intense at the start.
• COVID may take longer to appear fully and may include a wider range of symptoms.
• RSV, meanwhile, frequently begins like a routine cold but progresses slowly into a deeper respiratory illness, especially in infants.

The difference in how symptoms start, escalate, and affect breathing can help provide clues, but testing is often the only reliable way to know for sure. TrustCare Kids offers rapid testing for flu, COVID, and RSV, giving families quick answers and the ability to make informed decisions about care and isolation.

This testing includes MeMed, a breakthrough diagnostic available in all clinic locations, which can differentiate between a bacterial and viral infection in as little as 15 minutes.

How Parents Can Help at Home

Regardless of which illness your child has, supportive care at home remains essential:

• Hydration is critical - Offer small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte solutions.
• Control fevers safely - Use age-appropriate acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)
• Use a humidifier - Moist air eases congestion and coughing.
• Keep their nose clear - For infants, saline drops and gentle suction help improve feeding and sleep.
• Ensure rest - Let your child sleep and recover without overexertion.

When to Seek Care at TrustCare Kids

Knowing when to bring a child to urgent care for rapid diagnostic testing and family-focused pediatric care (without the long waits of an ER) is just as important as knowing how to care for them at home. Keep an eye out for these key indicators:

• Fever lasting more than 3 days
• A cough that’s worsening
• Signs of dehydration
• Ear pain or suspected ear infection
• Rapid breathing or wheezing
• A concerning rash
• Trouble feeding or significantly reduced appetite
• Persistent vomiting

Preventing Illness This Winter

Preventing illness, while not always possible, is much easier when families practice consistent healthy habits. Staying up to date on vaccinations, including the flu and updated COVID vaccines, remains one of the most effective ways to reduce severity and spread. Additionally:

• Encourage regular handwashing;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces; and
• Keep sick children home to significantly lower transmission within households and schools.

TrustCare Kids Is Here for Your Family All Winter Long

Respiratory illnesses are part of winter — but confusion and worry don’t have to be. Understanding the differences between flu, COVID, and RSV empowers parents to act quickly and get the right care at the right time.

At TrustCare Kids, our team is here to support families throughout the winter season with prompt, professional, and compassionate care for sick children. Our clinics are designed to offer fast, reliable diagnosis and treatment – right when it’s needed most:

• No appointment required — walk in after school, on weekends, or whenever an illness occurs.
• Rapid testing for flu, COVID, and RSV, and on-site digital X-rays to give families quick answers.
• Pediatric-trained providers who specialize in caring for children and teens.
• Friendly, comfortable environments that help ease stress and anxiety.
• Coordination with your child’s primary care provider or specialist for follow-up care.
• NOTE: For further convenience, you may also schedule an appointment online here.

Whether your child wakes up with a sudden fever or begins showing signs of a lingering cough, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re here to help you avoid the wait and worry and gain peace of mind knowing they are receiving the expert pediatric care they deserve and need to Feel Better Faster®.