What is RSV?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that usually affects the nose, throat, & lungs. Most serious infections with RSV can occur in babies & young children.

RSV symptoms:

Less severe cases:

• common cold (cough & runny nose)
• ear infections
• eye redness & irritation (conjunctivitis)
• croup (cough & sore, scratchy throat).

More severe cases: Bronchiolitis which is an infection of the small airways of the lungs. Symptoms of bronchiolitis include:

• cough
• fever
• wheezing
• difficult or rapid breathing.

How RSV is Diagnosed:

RSV generally occurs in the winter and spring, so most healthcare providers diagnose the condition when a child has symptoms during RSV season. However, RSV can be contracted in the late summer and early fall.  Diagnosis can & should be made by using a test to find the virus in samples of mucus from the nose. 

Treatment varies with severity, but may include:

Oxygen: Some babies may need extra oxygen to breathe more easily.

Suctioning: Use a bulb syringe to remove the mucus from your child's nose. When young children are more severely infected, they may need oxygen and suctioning of airways below the nose and throat, which usually requires hospitalization.

Medicine: Since RSV is caused by a virus and not a bacteria, antibiotics will not help treat RSV. Occasionally, inhalers or oral steroid medications may help your child to breathe easier.

Length of illness:

RSV can lasts 7 to 21 days. 

Help prevent RSV by following these guidelines:

Prevent the spread of RSV with good hand washing. Encourage people  to wash their hands before they come in contact with your baby. Anyone with cold symptoms should be discouraged from close contact with your baby.

Premature babies or babies with chronic lung disease may be treated with Synagis. Synagis is a type of antibody used to prevent RSV. It is given as a inoculation every month during the typical RSV season. Check with your medical provider concerning Synagis.

 Call your child's healthcare provider immediately if any of these symptoms are present:

• Your child has very rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths in a minute).
• Using extra muscles to breathe (chest contracts, nose flares)
• Your child refuses to eat.
• Your child has not had a wet diaper for more than 6 to 8 hours.
• Your child is wheezing or having trouble breathing.
• Your child’s skin looks gray or bluish.
• Your child is extremely tired or hard to wake up.
• Your child is inconsolable.