Protecting kids during respiratory virus season

As respiratory virus season begins, more children will be affected by illnesses like RSV, flu and COVID-19. These viruses can cause serious breathing problems, especially in infants and children with underlying health conditions. Here’s what parents need to know to keep their families safe this season.  

What is RSV?   

RSV is a contagious virus that can be spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing or touching infected surfaces and then touching your face.    

RSV symptoms include:   

• Cough   
• Trouble breathing    
• Fever   
• Runny nose and nasal congestion   

RSV in children usually causes mild symptoms and the body fights the virus off in 1-2 weeks. In young children, particularly those less than 6 months, and children with weakened immune systems, RSV can become dangerous by causing infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants in the U.S., and most infants hospitalized with RSV were otherwise healthy with no chronic medical problems.  Here is some additional information about RSV. 

What is the flu?   

Flu, or influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus. The flu can cause you to feel sick for at least a week. It is contagious and can be easily spread through droplets from person to person.    

There’s a misconception that the flu “isn’t that bad,” but it can be deadly. The flu can make you just as sick, if not sicker, than some bacterial infections. So, be sure to take the flu seriously.  If you think your child has influenza, consider having them checked out as there are medicines that can help them recover faster and prevent complications. 

Flu symptoms include:   

• Fever    
• Headache, body aches and chills   
• Cough   
• Runny nose and congestion   
• Sore throat   
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea   

What is COVID-19?   

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.   

Symptoms include:   

• Fever   
• Cough   
• Fatigue   
• Muscle or body aches   
• Difficulty breathing   
• Sore throat   
• Headache   
• Sneezing   
• Vomiting/diarrhea   
• Loss of taste/smell   

Immunization information  

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to be a very common cause of hospitalization in infants. RSV in children can be dangerous, but new tools are available to help protect babies:  

• Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is a one-time antibody injection for infants entering their first RSV season. It’s not a vaccine, but it helps prevent severe illness. There are some reasons why children entering their second RSV season may be eligible for a second dose of Nirsevimab. Speak to your child’s doctor about whether your child qualifies for it this year. 
• Clesrovimab (Enflonsia) is a one-time antibody injection for infants and babies under one year of age. Again, it is not a vaccine but helps prevent severe illness. 
• Abrysvo is an RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, allowing mothers to pass antibodies along to babies while still pregnant.   

Updated Flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain essential for children and adults. Staying up to date on immunization schedules for children is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and complications. Here is a resource about the different types of flu vaccine available to children 2 years of age and older: It is important not to delay getting the influenza vaccine while waiting for a specific type. 

How visitor restrictions help keep patients safe  

Anyone who has a respiratory virus can give it to someone else, even before they start feeling sick. Children 12 and under are the most at risk of catching a virus, and the least likely to follow the habits that help to avoid spreading viruses when they are sick.  

By limiting visitors during peak virus season, Children’s Mercy helps protect vulnerable patients and ensures hospital staff can continue providing safe, uninterrupted care.  Beginning Nov.10, 2026, children under the age of 13 will not be allowed on inpatient units. All visitors must be free of illness. Some units may have additional precautions, please visit childrensmercy.org for more details. 

These tips can help you keep your kids - and others – safe and healthy during respiratory virus season.