You may have heard about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from a friend, family member or even your pediatrician. But what is RSV? Is it a serious issue? Should you see a doctor or go to the ER if your kid has RSV?
Below is a guide to help you better understand RSV.
What Is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, for short, is one of the most common causes of infections in the lungs and the respiratory tract. Most children have been infected by this virus by the age of 2 years old. It’s commonly thought of as a childhood disease, but it can affect adults, too.
For the most part, RSV is not a major cause for concern in older kids and adults who are healthy. Its symptoms are similar to the common cold, and many parents may mistake RSV for the common cold.
However, RSV can be dangerous in some people, such as premature babies and infants, elderly adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of RSV?
The signs of RSV usually appear about 4-6 days after exposure to the virus. The most common symptoms include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Fever
- Mild headaches
Most RSV infections can be managed at home with supportive care, including plenty of fluids and age-appropriate fever or pain medication when needed. Also, RSV can become worse days into the illness. Most people recover within a week or two.
More serious cases of RSV may include symptoms like:
- Severe cough
- Wheezing when exhaling
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing. The child may want to sit up rather than lie down
- Bluish color of skin (cyanosis) due to inadequate blood oxygen
Severe illness is less common in healthy older children, but infants and some young children are at higher risk. However, if you notice these issues, get medical help for your child right away.
In infants with severe RSV, you may also notice other signs and symptoms like:
- Short, rapid or shallow breathing
- Irritability
- Poor feeding
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Lethargy (tiredness)
You should get help for serious RSV infections quickly, as they can lead to more serious problems like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
How Can You Help Protect Your Baby From RSV?
There is an option to help protect babies from severe RSV illness. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that helps prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants entering their first RSV season and in certain children up to 24 months of age who remain at increased risk of severe RSV disease. It is given as an injection and is not a vaccine.
Is my Baby Eligible for Beyortus?
It is recommended for all infants under 8 months old born during or entering their first RSV season (unless the mother received the maternal RSV vaccine during pregnancy). Talk with your pediatrician about whether Beyfortus may be appropriate for your baby.
Talk with your pediatrician about whether Beyfortus may be appropriate for your baby.
Know The Basics About RSV – And When To Get Help!
If your child is otherwise healthy, RSV often causes a mild illness that can be managed at home. However, infants and young children, especially those born prematurely or with certain medical conditions, have a higher risk of severe illness.
If your child has difficulty breathing, blue lips or face, severe dehydration, or significant lethargy, seek emergency care immediately.
It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you think your child has RSV or may be suffering from another similar illness, you can always bring them into Pediatric Associates of Franklin. We’ll make sure they get the help they need!
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
