RSV is the common term for respiratory syncytial virus, which affects nearly all children under two with cold-like symptoms. In premature infants and babies with immune deficiencies, though, RSV can develop into a severe case that requires hospitalization.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than one year of age in the United States.
Symptoms
- Cold symptoms like cough, stuffy/runny nose, earaches and fever
- Fussiness in infants, reduced hunger
- Wheezing or breathing difficulty in severe cases
- Symptoms in infants typically include irritability, decreased appetite, lethargy, and breathing difficulties.
Who is at risk?
Almost all children under two years old will get RSV. Preemies and children with immune problems are at a higher risk of complications. People over 65, especially those with heart or lung problems, are highly susceptible as well.
Treatment
Only a physician can diagnose RSV. Most cases of RSV pass like a common cold, but it’s important to watch symptoms especially in kids with a weakened immune system before they escalate into pneumonia or worse.
RSV may last up to 1-2 weeks. Treatment for general cases usually includes proper hydration, pain or fever reducers, raising the head and shoulders with pillows, and sometimes antibiotics in the event an ear infection sets in. Support for respiratory complications will be key.
Before giving your child over-the-counter cold medicines, talk to one of our healthcare providers. Some medications contain ingredients that are harmful to children.
Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?
Get emergency help if the patient has difficulty breathing, speaking or crying. Watch the patient inhale and see if they are lifting the shoulders or flaring the nostrils. Check the skin for discoloration (gray, mottled or blue) indicating a respiratory problem.
In general, consult a physician if the patient has a history of immune problems, especially if symptoms worsen over 24 hours. Never take a baby or small child that is having severe respiratory difficulty to the emergency department in your own vehicle. Call 911 and let the experts monitor their airway during transport.
Treatment for RSV is available now at Pulse-MD Urgent Care in Wappingers Falls, Mahopac, Mohegan Lake, Thornwood, and Poughkeepsie, NY.
For more information on RSV, see the following websites:
WebMD Lung & Respiratory Health Center
RSV Overview by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Pediatrics with RSV Prevention Policy
Disclaimer: The links above are to sites independent of pulsemdurgentcare.com. The pages will open in a new browser window. The information provided is for educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding your specific medical questions, treatments, therapies, and other needs.