Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known commonly as RSV, is a respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. In fact, although most children get RSV by the age of 2, it comes and goes as simply as a cold, so you never actually know it was anything different.
RSV cases typically follow the fall-through-winter pattern, like a lot of respiratory illnesses. As RSV continues to circulate, we want you to be prepared.
Let’s discuss:
- Symptoms of most RSV cases
- When to head to the ER or call the doctor
- How to feel better at home
- How to avoid getting or spreading RSV
- Complications of RSV
Symptoms of Most RSV Cases
Mild RSV will mimic a cold - coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, possibly a fever. In our tiny babes, you may see an increase in fussiness or sleepiness - or cycles of both. This is all normal and can be managed at home. Since RSV is a viral infection, there aren’t medications available to treat it. (Scientists are working on a vaccine though!)
If I were to guess what you’re thinking, I’d anticipate your next question would be about how to tell the difference between RSV & COVID-19. While I wish I had a crystal clear answer for you, symptoms are very similar and you won’t know without a test. Regardless, if you or your child come down with any symptoms, isolate from others until your symptoms resolve or until you get a negative COVID test.
If your COVID test is negative, you know you’re dealing with the common cold or RSV or some other viral bug. The good thing is that all of these viral bugs are treated the same way - with rest and TLC, unless you or your little one start to develop any of the more severe symptoms below.
When to Head to the ER (or Get Help Quickly)
Things you will notice if RSV is progressing:
- Bluish lips/mouth/nose
- Flared nostrils when breathing
- Shallow, fast breathing
- Belly breathing
- Wheezing
- Retractions (skin looks to be “caving in” around or under the ribcage or collarbones)
When to Call the Doctor
- Signs of dehydration (peeing less than once in 6-8 hours in our kids under 2; less than once every 12 hours for adults)
- Any fever in our 0-3 month group (100.4℉ or higher rectally)
- A high fever in everyone else (>102 ℉ underarm, >103 ℉ under the tongue, >104 ℉ rectally or in the ear)
- Symptoms get worse or aren’t resolving after 7 days
- Your child is tugging/pawing at their ear or complains of ear pain
How to Feel Better at Home (a.k.a. What you need to know in most RSV cases)
If you or your child have mild RSV, you probably don’t even know it and aren’t looking at this article for tips on how to feel better at home. 😊 But in case you are, tips to feel better are the same as if you’re dealing with a cold!
- Hydrate! (This will always be my #1 tip for any illness.)
- Try a cool-mist humidifier
- Saline drops/spray or a neti pot. Suction or blow!
- Medication for a moderate or high fever (>100 ℉ underarm, >101 ℉ under the tongue, >102 ℉ rectally or in the ear)
*6 months and older: ibuprofen or Tylenol
*3-6 months: Tylenol only
*0-3 months: no medication unless approved first by the pediatrician
*For tips on more specific symptoms, check out our other blog articles!
How to Prevent Getting or Spreading RSV
All the usual germ-preventing actions!
- Handwashing
- Disinfecting
- Staying home when anyone in the household is sick
- Staying up-to-date on immunizations
There is a medication that can be given to high-risk babies that may prevent severe RSV infection. Your pediatrician will let you know if your baby needs this.
RSV Complications
For infants under 6 months old, adults over 65 years old or anyone with a weakened immune system, RSV can progress and cause some other problems. While there aren’t currently medications available to treat RSV, treatment may be required to resolve some of the aftereffects.
(This list isn’t to scare you but I want you to know what to expect if things go this route. Approximately 3% of children need to be hospitalized for 2-3 days because of RSV complications, so this is rare.)
- Most commonly, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia (an infection in the lungs). With either of these, it may become difficult to breathe and may require some oxygen in the hospital.
- If you or your child do develop pneumonia, know that it can be viral or bacterial. If tests conclude bacteria is present, antibiotics will be prescribed.
- Oftentimes when we or our little ones are sick, we aren’t able to hydrate very efficiently. If hospitalization is required, they will likely give you or your child IV fluids to rehydrate.
- Anytime a respiratory illness is at play, our kiddos are at an increased risk of developing an ear infection. This is simply due to the fact that extra fluid is pooling and allowing bacteria to grow. If you notice any ear discomfort, give the doctor a call as they may want to start antibiotics. (This would not require hospitalization.)
Knowing what to watch for in case it’s serious is important, just like knowing when it’s time for extra couch time and movies. I hope you’re striking the balance well and you feel better soon!
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