Filenews 6 February 2026
RSV is a common respiratory virus, which in most cases causes a mild clinical picture and resolves without the need for special treatment. In healthy adults, the infection often resembles a simple cold.
However, according to the European Vaccination Portal, RSV can cause more severe disease in:
- infants, mainly under 6 months,
- the elderly,
- people with weakened immune systems or chronic underlying diseases.
In these population groups, the virus may attack the lower respiratory tract and lead to complications, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
What symptoms occur most often with RSV
In adults, RSV infection is usually manifested by:
- cough,
- sneezing,
- runny nose or nasal congestion,
- mild fever;
- sore throat,
- headache and feeling tired.
In vulnerable people, symptoms may be more intense and include:
- persistent cough,
- difficulty breathing,
- wheezing in the chest,
- increased mucus production;
In infants and young children, RSV can cause bronchiolitis, necessitating medical monitoring.
How the flu manifests itself
The flu differs from colds and RSV mainly due to the intensity of the symptoms and their sudden onset. It often occurs abruptly and is accompanied by a strong general setback.
The most characteristic symptoms include:
- high fever;
- shivering,
- myalgia and arthralgia,
- headache,
- severe fatigue;
- cough, usually dry and persistent.
Compared to the common cold, the flu poses an increased risk of complications, particularly for the elderly and people with chronic health problems.
Cold, flu and RSV: where the main differences are found
The common cold is usually characterized by mild symptoms involving the upper respiratory tract, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat, and subsides within a few days without significant complications.
The flu stands out for its heavier clinical picture, with a sudden onset, high fever and intense fatigue that often immobilizes the patient.
RSV, although in adults often resembles a cold, can cause more serious breathing problems, such as persistent coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, there is an increased risk of progressing to a severe lower respiratory tract infection, according to the US National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
The big picture
Available epidemiological data indicate that while several respiratory viruses continue to circulate, RSV is showing an upward trend in the community. Early and correct recognition of symptoms is of particular importance, especially when they concern infants and people at increased risk, in order to ensure a calm and valid medical assessment.
