How to tell the difference between RSV, the flu and a head cold

It's the virus that is hitting homes hard right now and the symptoms all sound so similar. Dr Sam Hay simplifies it for us.

Flu season has hit Australians hard this winter. If it's not COVID, you can bet it's a head cold or sore throat courtesy of working back in the office or daycare/school. And if you're really unlucky - a bad case of the flu or RSV. 

Many families have been hit with cases of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) since the weather cooled down, but with the symptoms so similar to the flu or head cold, how can we tell the difference?

And is it really important that we do indeed recognise which virus it is we have been battling once COVID has already been ruled out? 

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What is the difference between RSV, a headcold and the flu? Image: iStock

The truth about winter viruses

According to Kidspot's resident GP, Dr Sam Hay, winter viruses' can present with very similar symptoms to each other but different strains bring different things.  

"Upper respiratory tract infections are classically caused by viruses," he shared. "There are many different types and strains, but they all tend to cause cough, runny nose, aches pains and fevers, and maybe a sore throat or blocked ears."

Is it influenza?

While you still feel miserable with all of them, there is a bit of a difference between the common cold, influenza and RSV. But the latter two are probably the most similar.

"Influenza is one type of virus that tends to cause a more dramatic URTI or cold," says Sam.

"It hits you like a bus with symptoms coming on more of a sudden. It tends to be more severe, have more fever, and last a good week."

Common symptoms include: 

• Runny nose or sneezing
• Cough or sore throat
• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Vomiting and diarrhoea 

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In May this year, before the flu season even hit, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant warned people of a horrid flu season, urging us to get our COVID and flu jabs if we weren't already up to date.  

"I personally think that we underestimate the impact of flu and the need to take measures. This year, with both COVID and flu, we need to do all we can to protect ourselves and protect other people, and that will also reduce the burden on our hospitals and healthcare providers," she said at the time.

It's not RSV but it has hit Aussies just as hard. 

RELATED: Moderna seeks approval for infant COVID vaccine

Is it RSV / Respiratory syncytial virus? 

According to Dr Sam, while symptoms are similar, RSV is a little less severe than influenza but a virus all parents need to be wary of. 

"RSV for most people will be experienced like a common cold - milder aches and pains, with lots of runny nose, and maybe a cough," Dr Sam advised.

"What sets it apart from the common cold is that our babies can be very susceptible - it can be a life-threatening illness. The small airways in the lungs close down and they fill with mucous."

The virus, common in autumn and winter months, is common in children aged two and under, but cases have been present with older family members too. Typically, it lasts up to 10 days, with most children fully recovered by the 15th day. 

A fever is a common symptom. Image: iStock

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What to do if you suspect it's RSV or the flu

Just like we did with our vulnerable oldies when COVID-19 hit our shores back in 2020, Dr Sam urges Aussies to stay away from our previous young ones when we have the slightest sniffle or sore throat. 

"My big message to anyone with a cold is stay away from young kids. You don't know if you've got RSV (or influenza for that matter) which could be devastating," he said. 

"Thankfully when you go and get a PCR test in most places now they're also testing for RSV and influenza along with COVID - so I'm encouraging all my patients to get a PCR as early as possible when you get a head cold - don't just rely on a RAT because it doesn't give you all the useful information."

If you're concerned about your health or someone else's health in your family, please visit your local GP for advice.

Originally published as How to tell the difference between RSV, the flu and a head cold