RSV is a highly contagious respiratory illness
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a seasonal respiratory illness, occurring primarily from October through March. It infects the lungs and breathing passages and can become serious, especially in infants and toddlers younger than 24 months of age. Our Plano pediatricians want parents to understand the virus, when to seek care and how to prevent it.
Respiratory syncytial virus is extremely contagious and spreads through cough and sneeze droplets from a person who has the infection. The virus can live on surfaces and spread through touch. Adults and children get and spread the virus.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
When children over the age of 5 get respiratory syncytial virus, the symptoms often seem like cold symptoms. Most children of this age will recover as they would from a cold, unless they develop complications.
As many as 40% of babies age 2 and younger can develop complications, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, that require urgent medical care. Many children with RSV have cold-type symptoms.
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Mild headache
- Not wanting to eat or drink as usual
If, however, a baby or child develops complications such as the following, parents should call our Plano pediatricians.
- High fever
- Worsening cough
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Breathing quickly
- Signs of dehydration
If a child is struggling to breathe, has fingernails or lips that are turning blue, or seems very tried and can’t stay awake, seek urgent medical care immediately.
Diagnosing and treating respiratory syncytial virus
Our pediatricians will perform an exam to determine whether the child has RSV or another respiratory illness. They may also take a sample of nasal fluid. Most patients can recover at home. Parents should keep the child at home during their recovery and keep them comfortable by providing fluids, saline nose spray or drops or nasal aspiration for babies. Talk to our physicians about treating fever with acetaminophen in children older than 6 months. Children who develop complications may need to go to the emergency room for IV fluids, medications or supplemental oxygen.
Prevention tips from our Plano pediatricians
Handwashing and sanitizing are key to preventing respiratory syncytial virus. Caregivers and children should wash their hands frequently and sanitize surfaces they touch. Parents can help contain the spread of the virus by keeping their sick children home from day care and school.
Another key preventive tip is for parents, caregivers and children to get the RSV vaccine. The vaccine will not prevent the virus, but it will lessen the symptoms and prevent dangerous complications. Here is what parents need to know about the vaccine.
- Pregnant women can get the vaccine in the third trimester to protect their newborn babies.
- Caregivers can get the vaccine to protect themselves and the children they care for.
- Infants who are 8 months or younger can get the shot before the most contagious season starts.
- Babies age 8 months to 19 months who have chronic health issues and are experiencing their second season of this contagious virus can receive a second dose of vaccine.
Parents should discuss the vaccine and all other aspects of this respiratory illness with our Plano pediatricians in order to protect their children from complications. Contact us for an appointment.
