Parents Urged to Distinguish COVID‑19 from Cold, Flu and RSV to Protect Schools

When a child shows a cough, runny nose or sore throat, parents must decide whether to send them to school or keep them home. A pediatric nurse practitioner explains that the four common respiratory illnesses—COVID‑19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the common cold—share many symptoms but also have key differences. COVID‑19 often lasts 7‑14 days, can cause loss of taste or smell, and may include stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea. Flu symptoms appear quickly, last 3‑7 days, and lack taste loss. RSV resembles a cold but adds decreased appetite and can lead to serious lung infections in infants. Because all four spread easily, keeping sick children at home reduces transmission to classmates and staff. Parents should test with a home COVID‑19 kit if symptoms or exposure are suspected; a negative result does not rule out infection, so retesting after 48 hours is advised. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends COVID‑19 and flu shots for all children over six months, and RSV vaccination for infants meeting criteria. Vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation and cuts the number of school days missed.