Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause of infant hospital admissions in the United States. While it’s a common respiratory infection that many children have by the time they turn two years old, RSV can be a serious illness for infants.
Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD and her team want you to understand RSV in children, its symptoms, treatments, and when it’s time to see a doctor. In most cases, it’s a common viral condition that resembles a cold in symptoms and severity.
The virus that causes RSV enters your child’s body through eyes, mouth, or nose in the same way that other respiratory infections do, in airborne droplets or transferred by touch through contact with a contaminated surface.
Also like cold and flu, RSV season is typically from autumn to the end of spring. It’s possible for a child to be infected by RSV multiple times, particularly those in childcare centers and schools.
Children with RSV are most contagious in the first week after their infection. Older children and most adults usually suffer from mild coldlike symptoms, including:
Most kids recover in about two weeks, though sometimes wheezing persists. In vulnerable patients, RSV may spread to the lower respiratory tract (the trachea to the lungs) where it can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
In infants, it may be more difficult for a parent to evaluate RSV symptoms. Signs to watch for in babies include:
The underdeveloped bodies of premature infants makes them particularly vulnerable to RSV.
Your child has a medical emergency if they’re struggling to breathe, showing a blue skin color, or exhibiting a high fever. Seek immediate medical care and update our office when your child’s condition is stabilized.
In older children, treat RSV symptoms as you would a cold or flu to keep them comfortable through the natural course of the infection. Acetaminophen helps to lower fever. Otherwise, plenty of rest and fluids apply here. Antibiotics are only necessary if bacterial pneumonia presents as a complication.
Serious cases of RSV may require hospital admission so your child can receive symptom care like fluids delivered by intravenous (IV) drip and/or humidified oxygen for easy breathing. In rare cases, a mechanical ventilator may be required if breathing is severely compromised.
Contact Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD before symptoms become severe, particularly if your child is under six months old, has a heart or lung condition, suffers from an impaired immune system, or has muscular dystrophy or other neuromuscular conditions.
Call or click to book an in-office or telemedicine visit as soon as necessary. We’re standing by to help.
