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Comparing Flu and RSV

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Posted on March 17, 2022
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What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, otherwise known as RSV, is a virus that typically spreads during flu season. RSV can be serious, as it is the single most common cause of pneumonia in infants.

How are RSV and flu similar?

  • Both viruses affect children and older adults
  • Both viruses have similar symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and fever
  • Both viruses can be especially dangerous for people with asthma
  • Both viruses are spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes

How are RSV and flu different

  • RSV is more common among children – almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday
  • Flu vaccination can be given every year starting at age six months, but there is no vaccine for RSV
  • Flu treatments are available through antiviral medications, but there is no specific medicine to treat RSV
  • Flu affects people of all ages, not just children and older adults

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html
https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/influenza-and-rsv-how-suspect-diagnose-treat
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/rsv-vs-flu-vs-pneumonia-sorting-out-your-childs-fever-and-cough/

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