What Alabama Parents Should Know About Common Childhood Respiratory Illnesses

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Allury Lal, MD and Dr. Justyn Millar, DNP, CPNP, VP Medical Operations

When your child develops a cough, fever, or congestion, it’s natural to worry, especially during peak respiratory illness season. RSV, Flu, and COVID-19 are three of the most common illnesses affecting children in the early months of the year, and while their symptoms can overlap, each one affects young patients a little differently.

Understanding the differences can help parents know when to monitor symptoms at home and when to seek pediatric care.

RSV in Children: Common but Important to Monitor

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is extremely common in infants and young children. Most children will have RSV by the age of two, often with symptoms that resemble a cold.

Common RSV symptoms include:

In younger children, especially infants, RSV can sometimes lead to wheezing, labored breathing, or bronchiolitis. Parents should watch closely for changes in breathing or feeding habits. “RSV infection is a common cause of pediatric hospitalizations and needs to be managed accurately under guidance of a pediatric clinical team. It has a prolonged course leading to potential secondary infections. It is not uncommon for parents to bring their sick child who has RSV more than once to an urgent care to be evaluated.” – Dr. Allury Lal

RSV is most concerning for:

Flu Symptoms in Kids: Sudden and Often More Intense

The flu (influenza) often comes on quickly and can cause more severe symptoms than a typical cold. Children with the flu may feel unwell very suddenly.

Common flu symptoms include:

For many children, flu symptoms can feel overwhelming, particularly for kids who are sensitive to discomfort, noise, or changes in routine. Early evaluation by a pediatric-trained provider can help guide treatment and recovery.

COVID-19 in Children: Symptoms Can Vary

COVID-19 symptoms in children range from very mild to more noticeable respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Common COVID-19 symptoms include:

While most children recover well, monitoring symptoms is important, especially for children with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

Why RSV, Flu, and COVID Can Look So Similar

All three illnesses can cause:

Because symptoms overlap, it’s often difficult for parents to know which illness their child has without medical evaluation or testing. For families, uncertainty can add stress, especially when a child is uncomfortable or overstimulated.

Calm, supportive care environments and clear explanations can make a big difference in helping children and parents feel more at ease during a visit. Want to learn more? Check out this blog post by Nemours KidsHealth

When Parents Should Seek Pediatric Care

Regardless of the illness, parents should seek medical care right away if their child experiences:

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Pediatric-trained providers can help determine next steps and provide reassurance.

Convenient Pediatric Care—365 Days a Year Across Alabama

When your child is sick, access to care matters. That’s why our clinics are open 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays, with seven convenient locations across Alabama.

Our providers are pediatric-trained and experienced in caring for children of all ages, from infants to teens. We understand that every child is different and some children need a little extra patience, explanation, or flexibility during a visit. Parents are always welcome to share their child’s needs so we can provide the most comfortable experience possible.

Note: All information on this blog is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.