RSV and Flu in Children: What Parents in Singapore Need to Know
- Oaklife Family Clinic
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory illness in children, often confused with the flu (influenza) due to overlapping symptoms. In Singapore, RSV is a significant cause of hospitalisation in infants and young children, especially during the rainy season.
Understanding RSV, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention can help parents take prompt action and protect their children’s health.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. While it often presents like the flu or a common cold in older children and adults, it can lead to more serious complications in infants, toddlers, and children with pre-existing health conditions.
In Singapore, RSV circulates year-round but sees a peak in cases during the wetter months. It is one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year old. Hospital admissions for RSV-related illnesses in children peak between September and January.
RSV vs. Flu: What’s the Difference?
RSV and influenza are different viruses but cause similar symptoms, such as fever, runny nose and cough. Respiratory swab tests may be helpful to differentiate the two. Both are viral infections and treatment is mainly supportive. If symptoms worsen or include laboured breathing, parents should consult a doctor.
Symptoms of RSV in Children
Children infected with RSV may show:
Runny nose
Coughing and sneezing
Fever (usually low-grade)
Wheezing
Decreased appetite
Breathing difficulties, especially in babies
In infants, RSV may also cause irritability, lethargy, and feeding problems.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if your child:
Has difficulty breathing (fast, shallow, or noisy breathing/wheezing)
Is not feeding well
Has bluish lips or fingernails
Seems unusually tired or unresponsive
These could be signs of severe RSV infection or flu-related complications requiring urgent care.
How is RSV diagnosed?
To diagnose RSV, the doctor will first take a medical history and perform a medical examination, including listening to your baby’s lungs. If necessary, and depending on your baby’s condition, the doctor may perform some additional tests, such as:
Blood tests
Chest X-ray
A nose or throat swab
RSV Treatment in Singapore
There is no antiviral treatment specifically for RSV.
Management focuses on relieving symptoms:
Fluids: Keep your child hydrated.
Rest: Encourage adequate sleep and quiet activities.
Nasal suction: Use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator for infants to clear mucus.
Paracetamol: For fever and discomfort (avoid aspirin in young children).
Inhalers or nebuliser: For those who are wheezing.
Hospitalisation may be needed for oxygen support or IV fluids in severe cases, especially in infants or children with underlying health conditions.
Preventing RSV and Flu in Children
There are steps parents can take to prevent the spread of RSV and seasonal flu:
Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid crowded places: Especially during flu season or RSV outbreaks.
Disinfect surfaces: Clean toys and high-touch areas regularly.
Keep sick children at home: Prevent spreading the virus in schools or childcare.
Flu vaccination: Annual flu shots help protect against influenza and reduce the likelihood of coinfection with RSV. Flu vaccines are recommended at least once a year, as the prevalent flu strains change from season to season. According to the Ministry of Health, children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible for subsidised influenza vaccinations under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
RSV vaccination: While the new RSV vaccines are not licensed for babies or children, pregnant women can provide passive immunity to their newborn babies against RSV infection by getting a single dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Note: A new RSV monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab, has been recently approved for use in infants in Singapore. More details regarding its utility should be available in the near future.
RSV in High-Risk Children
Children at greater risk of RSV complications include:
Premature infants
Babies under 6 months old
Children with asthma or congenital heart/lung disease
Children with weakened immune systems
Parents of high-risk children should be extra vigilant during RSV and flu seasons in Singapore.
“Many parents confuse RSV with the flu or common cold, but RSV can lead to serious breathing issues, especially in infants. Recognising symptoms early and ensuring proper home care can reduce hospital visits and support recovery,” says Dr. Jacquelyn Melody, Senior Family Physician at Oaklife Family Clinic
RSV in children is common in Singapore and may present symptoms similar to the flu. While most cases are mild, RSV can lead to serious complications in younger or high-risk children. Practising good hygiene, staying alert to symptoms, and seeking medical attention when necessary can help protect your child’s health. We also provide RSV vaccine for pregnant women and adults 60 years and above.
Oaklife Family Clinic provides child-focused care, vaccination advice, and symptomatic treatment for respiratory infections like RSV and flu.
FAQs: RSV and Flu in Children
Q: Is RSV the same as the flu?
A: No, RSV and flu are different viruses but may cause similar symptoms.
Q: Can my child get RSV and flu at the same time?
A: Yes, co-infections can happen. This can make symptoms more severe and recovery longer.
Q: Is there a vaccine for RSV?
A: There are RSV vaccines for adults but none for children currently. A new monoclonal antibody has been approved for use in Singapore, but is not widely used as yet. We do recommend yearly flu vaccinations especially in younger children. However it is recommended that pregnant women get a single dose of RSV vaccine during weeks 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy, which will provide passive immunity to their newborn babies against RSV infection for about 6 months after birth.
Q: Can adults catch RSV from children?
A: Yes, RSV can spread to adults RSV can cause severe illness in adults as well, especially the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
Q: When is RSV season in Singapore?
A: RSV can occur year-round but peaks during the rainy season, similar to seasonal flu.