As autumn settles in across Alberta, many families brace for the seasonal wave of coughs, fevers, and runny noses. For parents of young children, this time of year can bring a lot of worry, especially when symptoms show up suddenly. When your child starts coughing or running a fever, it’s completely natural to ask: Is it RSV? The flu? COVID-19? Something else?
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we understand how overwhelming these questions can feel. Symptoms often overlap, online information can be confusing, and it’s not always obvious when to monitor at home or when to seek care. This guide breaks down the key differences between RSV, influenza, and COVID-19, helping Alberta parents feel more confident during respiratory virus season.
Why These Viruses Are So Easily Confused
RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 often circulate at the same time and share many of the same symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Headache
Because symptoms can look so similar, it’s not always possible to identify the virus based on symptoms alone — especially in infants and younger children. But each illness affects kids differently, and knowing what to watch for can help you respond quickly and appropriately.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Who’s most at risk?
- Infants and toddlers under two
- Babies born prematurely
- Children with heart or lung conditions
Typical symptoms
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Coughing or wheezing
- Mild fever
- Reduced appetite or feeding
- Unusual tiredness or irritability
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Watch for chest retractions (skin pulling in at ribs) or flaring nostrils.
What parents should watch for
RSV often starts like a mild cold but can worsen around days 3 to 5. Pay close attention to breathing patterns and feeding habits. Trouble breathing, fewer wet diapers, difficulty waking, or bluish lips mean you should contact your health-care provider immediately.
Influenza (Flu)
Who’s most at risk?
- Children under five
- Especially those under two
Typical symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Body aches and chills
- Headache
- Severe fatigue
- Dry cough or sore throat
- Vomiting or diarrhoea (common in kids)
What parents should watch for
Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can feel intense for young children. Seek medical advice if your child:
- Has a fever higher than 39°C
- Seems unusually weak
- Has difficulty breathing
- Shows signs of dehydration
COVID-19
Who’s most at risk?
All ages can get COVID-19. Most children experience mild symptoms, but kids with chronic conditions may be more vulnerable.
Typical symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Cough and congestion
- Fatigue
- Headache or sore throat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Loss of taste or smell (more common in older children)
What parents should watch for
COVID-19 symptoms can be mild or vary from child to child. Seek medical care if your child has:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest discomfort
- Dehydration
- Persistent high fever
When to Call Your Doctor
No matter which virus is circulating, certain symptoms should never be ignored:
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- High fever (especially in infants)
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, fewer wet diapers)
- Continuous vomiting or diarrhoea
- Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
If symptoms worsen, trust your instincts. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Testing and Diagnosis
Because these illnesses overlap so closely, testing is often the only way to know for sure.
Your doctor may recommend:
- Rapid flu testing
- COVID-19 antigen or PCR tests
- RSV testing (often used in infants or hospitalized children)
- Combination respiratory panels that test for multiple viruses at once
Your health-care provider can help determine whether testing is needed based on symptoms and age.
Prevention Tips for Alberta Families
Staying ahead of respiratory season can make a big difference for kids and families. Here’s how to reduce risk:
Vaccinate
- Annual flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines are the strongest protection against severe illness.
Practise good hygiene
- Encourage frequent handwashing.
- Teach kids to cover coughs and sneezes.
Keep sick kids home
- Avoid spreading illness at school or daycare.
- Rest speeds recovery.
Monitor symptoms early
Early care can prevent complications, especially for infants or children with asthma or chronic conditions.
We’re Here to Support Alberta Families
At Advanced Respiratory Care Network, we’re proud to help families navigate respiratory illness season with confidence. Our team offers:
- Respiratory diagnostics
- Paediatric consultations
- Home oxygen assessments
- Support for asthma, chronic cough, and other lung concerns
If you’re worried about your child’s symptoms or want to learn more about respiratory care, we’re here to help at locations across Alberta.