From an interview with
Dr. Meghan Jordan
McLeod Pediatric Associates of Florence – West

Here is a summary of Dr. Jordan’s remarks:

Both the flu and the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are viruses that often come up together in conversation because they have similar time periods during the year when they spike. So we often see them in the fall, winter and early spring.

For both, one of your best early warning signs would be fever. Other symptoms for both would be runny nose, cough, and congestion. For flu, you’re going to hear people complain about body aches, muscle aches, chills and fatigue. If your child has these signs, you may want to take them to the doctor to be evaluated. Early treatment options are somewhat limited. For flu, there is an antiviral called Tamiflu. It is best if given within the first 48 hours of symptoms, and it is usually reserved for younger children or those with chronic medical conditions.

RSV does not currently have an antiviral medicine approved by the FDA. RSV typically has mild symptoms. It runs its course, and the body takes care of the infection. However, with RSV, there is an antibody shot called Synagis that can be given to some children throughout the RSV season as a preventive measure. Children who qualify are usually infants born extremely prematurely or with heart or chronic lung disease. Your doctor would identify if your child is a candidate for Synagis throughout that RSV season.

For the flu, there is a vaccine, which is formulated off of the virus from the previous year. Based on the types of flu we saw and what those antigens look like, scientists create a new flu vaccine each year that is provided to practices around the country. And then it is recommended that children six months and older do get their flu vaccine each year to help decrease their risk of the flu. It’s not a perfect vaccine each year. Some years it’s better than others. You still may get the flu even if you get the flu vaccine, but we have seen that people who get the flu vaccine are much less likely to get the flu. Also, if they do get the flu, we’ll often see a milder illness than if they hadn’t been vaccinated.

One of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of both flu and RSV is by frequently washing your hands.

To learn more, find a Pediatrician near you.