Find out what you need to know about RSV as a parent
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, has been in the news this fall. This respiratory illness is common among babies and children. By the age of two, most babies experience symptoms of RSV that are more like a cold. However, RSV symptoms can sometimes become more severe. When this happens, children can develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis (swollen bronchial tubes) that require care from our Plano pediatricians. Learn what you need to know about RSV so that you can take care of your child.
All about the symptoms of RSV
Most children experience these symptoms if they have respiratory syncytial virus.
- Fever
- Runny nose and/or congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing, which can be wet or dry and last 10 days or more
- Fussy behavior
- Sore throat
- Not wanting to eat or drink
- Headache
When to seek medical attention
Some children develop more severe symptoms. If your child has any of these symptoms of RSV, call our Plano pediatricians.
- Dehydration, indicated by less than one wet diaper in eight hours
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing or wheezing that worsens
- Fever at or over 103℉ for kids over 6 months old, over 103℉ for babies over six months, over 101℉ for babies three to six months and over 100.4℉ for babies who are younger than two months old
- Decrease in activity or sleep
- Blue or gray color around nails, mouth and tongue
- Symptoms that do not improve after a week to 10 days
- Tugging or rubbing the ears
How to prevent RSV
An important part of what you need to know about RSV is how to prevent the illness. Certain babies and children have a greater risk for respiratory syncytial virus.
- Babies who are 12 weeks old or younger
- Low birth weight or premature babies
- Babies with chronic lung disease due to premature birth or certain heart defects
- Babies or children with weakened immune systems
RSV spreads directly from person to person through mucus or saliva. The virus can last 30 minutes or more on unwashed hands and up to six hours on surfaces, including doorknobs, countertops, toys and computers.
Vital prevention tools include covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing, washing hands and sanitizing surfaces often.
Our Plano pediatricians are here to help you and your child cope with RSV and explain what you need to know about RSV. Contact us for an appointment.
