RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): What Parents Need to Know

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): What Parents Need to Know

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory infection that affects nearly all children by their second birthday. While most cases are mild and resemble a regular cold, for infants under 6 months, premature babies, and children with certain health conditions, RSV can lead to more serious breathing problems that require medical attention.

Understanding the virus and knowing what to watch for can help you feel more confident caring for your child during RSV season, which typically runs from October through March.

What Is RSV?

RSV is a virus that causes infections in the lungs and breathing passages. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Your child can also catch RSV by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live on hard surfaces for several hours and on hands for up to 30 minutes.

Most children contract RSV before age 2, and many will get it more than once. While having RSV provides some immunity, reinfection is possible, though repeat infections are usually milder.

Recognizing the Symptoms

RSV symptoms typically appear 4 to 6 days after exposure and often start like a common cold. Early symptoms include runny nose, decreased appetite, dry cough, sneezing, low-grade fever, and irritability.

If your child in Robbinsville or the surrounding areas experiences worsening symptoms, watch for these signs: fast breathing or difficulty breathing, flaring nostrils with each breath, chest muscles pulling in with breathing, wheezing or whistling sounds, bluish color around the mouth or fingernails, extreme tiredness or difficulty staying awake, and refusal to breastfeed or bottle-feed.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups face increased risk for serious complications: premature infants (especially those born before 29 weeks), infants younger than 6 months, children with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, children with weakened immune systems, and infants exposed to tobacco smoke.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact our office if your child shows breathing difficulties, signs of dehydration, refuses to eat or drink, or has symptoms that improve but then suddenly worsen. Seek emergency care immediately if your child has blue or gray skin color, severe difficulty breathing, long pauses in breathing, or extreme lethargy.

Treatment and Home Care

There is no specific medication that kills the RSV virus. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting your child while their immune system fights the infection.

Home care strategies include: keeping your child hydrated with frequent small feedings, using saline drops and gentle suction to clear the nose, running a cool-mist humidifier, and keeping your child upright when possible. Never give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines to children under 2 years old without consulting your pediatrician.

For severe cases, medical treatment may include oxygen therapy, IV fluids, breathing treatments, or hospitalization for close monitoring.

Prevention Strategies

Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Avoid close contact with sick people, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, limit exposure to crowds during RSV season, and never expose your child to tobacco smoke.

For infants at very high risk, preventive medication called palivizumab (Synagis) or nirsevimab (Beyfortus) may be recommended. Your pediatrician will discuss whether your child qualifies for this preventive treatment. Our experienced pediatricians are here to help you navigate respiratory illnesses.

What to Expect

Most children with RSV recover completely within 1 to 2 weeks. The cough may linger for several weeks even after other symptoms have resolved. Your child is most contagious during the first few days of illness but can continue to spread the virus for up to 8 days.