RSV, Colds, and COVID: Why Kids are at Risk of Deadly Complications

As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues, everyone is aware of the importance of maintaining their health and safety, especially for young children. Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study indicating that children under the age of 5 who are hospitalized with COVID-19 are twice as likely to become severely ill if they also have a respiratory virus like rhinovirus (common cold) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

These findings are concerning, particularly as the weather begins to cool and cold and flu season begins. Recent data has shown an increase in cases of COVID-19, as well as other respiratory viruses like RSV and the common cold. This puts young children at an even greater risk of serious complications from the virus.

RSV is a highly contagious virus that is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children under the age of 5. RSV is spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., saliva and mucus) from an infected person. Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe and can include runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, RSV can be life-threatening, particularly in infants and young children.

The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses, and it can also cause a range of mild to severe symptoms. Colds are highly contagious and are spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person. Symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and fatigue. In most cases, colds are mild and can be managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.

It is important to note that both RSV and the common cold can lead to more serious complications in children, including difficulty breathing and wheezing. When a child is infected with both COVID-19 and a respiratory virus like RSV or the common cold, the risk of serious complications increases significantly.

That is why it is so important for parents to take steps to protect their children from these viruses. The best way to protect children from RSV, the common cold, and COVID-19 is to practice good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick. Additionally, it is important for parents to get their children vaccinated against both RSV and the flu.

In addition to vaccination and good hygiene practices, parents should also take steps to reduce their children’s exposure to air pollutants and allergens. Air pollutants and allergens can increase the risk of respiratory infections, which can increase the risk of serious complications if a child is infected with COVID-19. Parents should also make sure their children get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids to help support their immune systems.

If your child is showing any signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the development of more serious complications. It is also important for parents to discuss any concerns about their children’s health and safety with their pediatrician.

The findings from the CDC study are concerning, but they also highlight the importance of taking steps to protect children from RSV, the common cold, and COVID-19. By taking precautions such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and reducing exposure to air pollutants and allergens, parents can help reduce their children’s risk of becoming severely ill from these viruses.

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that the best way to protect your child is to take all the necessary precautions and seek medical attention if your child is showing any signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection.

PreviDent Brush-on Gel	MI Paste Plus
Experience extra-strength fluoride protection with Colgate PreviDent Brush-on Gel! Ideal for at-home use by adults. Easy to apply, once daily use.	Experience stronger, healthier teeth with MI Paste Plus! This fluoride creme helps rejuvenate and strengthen tooth enamel, reversing white spots from braces or lack of fluoride.

As a dentist, it is important to remind patients and their families that children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable to the complications of COVID-19, especially if they have a respiratory virus like RSV or the common cold. Regular dental visits are essential for keeping children’s teeth healthy, but it is also important to emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene, social distancing, and reducing exposure to air pollutants and allergens.

It is also important for parents to make sure their children, especially those under the age of 5, are vaccinated against RSV and the flu. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from the risks of serious infection from these viruses.

For more information on RSV, the common cold, and COVID-19, please visit the CDC website or speak to your child’s pediatrician. Taking the necessary steps to protect your children’s health and safety is the best way to ensure that they remain healthy and safe during this uncertain time.