RSV symptoms can mirror other respiratory illnesses: here’s what to know

PADUCAH, KY (Dec. 9, 2025) — For most people, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), causes a common cold that can be treated at home, but for infants, young children, and older adults, the symptoms can quickly become serious.

“In infants younger than six months, RSV infection may result in symptoms of fussiness, decreased activity and trouble breathing,” said pediatrician Heath Morgan Cates, MD, Baptist Health Medical Group Pediatrics. “In older infants and young children, a runny nose and decreased appetite may appear one to three days before cough, often followed by profound runny nose and congestion, sometimes with fever and wheezing.”

Symptoms in adults are generally consistent with upper respiratory tract infections, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, wheezing, headache, fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. While typically mild, RSV can cause complications leading to hospitalization and death.

According to the CDC, each year in the United States, RSV leads to on average approximately 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations with 100-300 deaths among children younger than 5 years old and 160,000 hospitalizations with 10,000 deaths among adults aged 65 years or older.

For infants under eight months old in their first RSV season or medically complex children up to 24 months old, there are two RSV immunizations available. It’s recommended to get the vaccine during RSV season which lasts from October to March.

“Because symptoms can mimic COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, it is sometimes helpful to get tested to ensure the proper diagnosis,” said Dr. Cates. “Supportive management would include frequent nasal saline drops or mist followed by suctioning, cool mist humidifier use, and monitoring fluid intake to ensure hydration. For our younger patients, we aim for three wet diapers every 24 hours.”

The most critical symptom to be mindful of is difficulty breathing, which can include abdominal breathing, retractions (tugging under, between or above the ribs with breathing) or grunting. For this, Dr. Cates recommends that you should seek care urgently.

• Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.)
• Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).
• Talk to your healthcare provider before giving your child nonprescription cold medicines. Some medicines contain ingredients that are not good for children.

Steps to prevent the infection or spread of RSV include:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid close contact, such as kissing, shaking hands, sharing cups and eating utensils, with others.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.

To find a Baptist Health provider near you, visit BaptistHealth.com.