If you’re sniffling, sneezing, and reaching for cough drops, you might be battling a common cold. But could it be RSV instead?

We asked Ross Giacomini, DO, a family medicine specialist with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, to break down the difference between a common cold and RSV – including what to watch for and why it’s a bigger concern for some more than others.

Find a doctor near me

Start here

Colds and RSV are both upper respiratory infections.

Both the common cold and RSV are viral upper respiratory infections, but colds are far more common.

“This is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus (most commonly rhinovirus), which typically results in common cold symptoms,” says Dr. Giacomini.

Those symptoms include:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever (in more severe cases)

RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, has some key differences.

“RSV is also an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus,” explains Dr. Giacomini. “But RSV tends to be more severe in at-risk populations such as children, people over 65 and those who are immunocompromised.”

> Related: What’s Causing Your Sniffles – Cold, Sinus Infection or Allergies?

4 ways to tell you have RSV, not a cold.

1. RSV symptoms are more severe.

At first, RSV and the common cold can look a lot alike—nasal congestion, runny nose and coughing.

“But with RSV, these symptoms are usually more persistent and intense,” says Dr. Giacomini.

You might notice:

  • Wheezing.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Labored breathing.
  • Higher fevers, usually around 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. RSV sticks around longer.

A common cold may be annoying, but it usually clears up on its own within 7-10 days.

“RSV typically lasts 1-2 weeks, but more severe cases can linger even longer, especially in higher-risk populations,” says Dr. Giacomini.

> Related: What to Eat and Drink for a Cold

3. RSV comes with a higher risk of complications.

Some chicken noodle soup and rest are usually enough to kick a cold.

“The common cold typically doesn’t extend beyond the initial infection,” says Dr. Giacomini. “But RSV can lead to complications like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, especially in high-risk groups.”

4. You may need to a see a doctor for RSV.

Because RSV and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be tough to know when to seek medical care.

“Since these are both viral illnesses, treatment is mostly limited to supportive care like rest, hydration, pain relievers and fever reducers,” explains Dr. Giacomini.

But if your fever reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit—especially if medication isn’t bringing it down—it’s time to see a doctor.

> Want more health news? Text StartHere to 85209 to sign up for text alerts

Are you at higher risk for RSV?

For most healthy adults, RSV might just feel like a bad cold.

But in higher-risk groups, it can lead to more serious complications like trouble breathing or pneumonia. If your symptoms feel worse than a typical cold, it’s best to check in with your doctor.

And don’t forget to protect yourself.

“In recent years, many people have become eligible for the RSV vaccine, which helps significantly reduce symptom severity and prevent hospitalization,” says Dr. Giacomini. “We encourage everyone to ask their doctor if an RSV vaccine is right for them.”