Protecting kids during respiratory virus season

As respiratory virus season begins, more children are 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.  

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 influenza “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.  

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 leading cause of hospitalization in infants. RSV in children can be dangerous, but new tools are available to help protect babies: 

• Nirsevimab (Beyfortus): A one-time antibody injection for infants entering their first RSV season. It’s not a vaccine, but it helps prevent severe illness. 
• Clesrovimab (Enflonsia): 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: An RSV vaccine given during pregnancy, allowing mothers to pass antibodies along to babies while still pregnant.  

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. 

Why Children’s Mercy has visitor restrictions during virus season 

Starting  Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, Children’s Mercy will limit hospital visitors to help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. These rules are designed to protect patients, families and staff, especially when virus activity is high. 

Key visitor guidelines: 

• Children 12 and under are not allowed to visit hospitalized patients. 
• All guests must be healthy and free of symptoms. 
• Visitors ages 13–16 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 
• Parents and guardians are not considered visitors and may stay with their child 24/7 but must follow all safety precautions. 

Note: These rules do not apply to outpatient clinics. 

Some hospital areas, including the neonatal, pediatric and cardiac intensive care units and short stay units, may have additional restrictions. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances, and families should speak with their child’s nurse for guidance. 

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. 

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