RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is a virus that causes cold-like symptoms in people of all ages. RSV can cause a serious lung infection in infants and young children. RSV is most common during the winter months. Most children will get RSV by the age of two. 

How can my child get RSV? 

RSV, like other cold viruses, is easily spread by touching, kissing, and shaking hands. Sometimes it can be spread by close contact with a person who is sneezing or coughing or touching things that have RSV on them. The most common way to spread RSV is by hand contact. People catch RSV from other people who have colds caused by RSV. 

Who is at risk? 

• Premature infants born four or more weeks early.
• Babies born under 5.5 pounds. 
• Infants who attend daycare.
• Infants who live with school-age siblings.
• Infants with a history of
  • Chronic lung disease.
  • Serious heart disease.
  • Neuromuscular disease.
  • Family history of asthma.
  • Exposure to smoke.

What are the symptoms of RSV? 

• Runny nose.
• Coughing that does not stop.
• Fussiness.
• Increased tiredness, less activity.
• Lack of appetite.
• Loud or fast breathing.
• Wheezing (a tight whistling or musical sound heard when your child breathes).
• Your child’s chest sinks in or nostrils flare with each breath.
• Low grade fever in some children.
• Difficulty breathing, gasping for breath, or bluish color around mouth or fingernails.

Call your pediatrician immediately if:

• Symptoms worsen or do not improve after seven days.
• A fever with a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher if the baby is younger than 3 months. Or, a fever that rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit repeatedly for a child of any age.
• Poor sleep or fussiness, chest pain, ear tugging, or ear drainage.
• Fast breathing, flaring of nostrils, wheezing, rhythmic grunting during breathing, belly breathing, tugging between their ribs, and tugging at the lower neck.
• Dehydration (less than one wet diaper every eight hours).
• Pauses or difficulty breathing.
• Gray or blue color to tongue, lips, or skin.
• Decreased activity and alertness.

Worsening symptoms can be life-threatening, so it is important to prevent RSV. 

How can I prevent my child from getting RSV? 

• Always wash your hands before touching your baby.
• Ask other people to wash their hands before touching your baby.
• Wash with soap and water or alcohol rub.
• Keep your baby away from crowds.
• Keep your baby away from people with colds.
• Wash your baby’s toys and bedding often.
• Keep your baby away from smoke.
• Protect your baby with a medication called palivizumab (Synagis®).