RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that causes respiratory illnesses from colds to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. It is most common during the fall and winter seasons. Most children will start showing symptoms anywhere from 2-7 days after exposure to the virus. RSV typically follows a pattern and tends to get worse on days 4-5 of illness, but as with most viruses symptoms usually improve after about a week.
When should I go see my Pediatrician?
- poor feeding 🍼
- symptoms of dehydration= dry mouth/lips, fewer than 2-3 wet diapers per day
- increased work of breathing= breathing fast, using extra muscles in the neck or belly when breathing, flaring of nostrils, rhythmic grunting when breathing, or pauses in breathing
- fever 🤒>100.4 in infants less than 3 months old, or persistent fever >103-104 in older children
How is RSV treated?
Since RSV is a virus, there is no specific medical treatment and antibiotics will not help. The most helpful thing you can do for your child is to do frequent nasal saline and suction, especially before feeding and naps. Place a cool mist humidifier by the bed to help loosen congestion and keep the airways moist. Some children may wheeze with RSV and may benefit from breathing treatments, but this is not always helpful. If symptoms are severe enough, patients may need to be admitted to the hospital for close observation, deeper suctioning, and supplemental oxygen.
Please do not give cough and cold medications for children under 6 unless directed to do so by your child’s doctor.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that circulates most often in the fall and winter. For many children, it looks like a cold. For our youngest babies, it can be much more serious.
Thankfully, we have a way to help protect them. The RSV antibody shot gives babies ready-made antibodies to help prevent severe illness and reduce their risk of hospitalization. Protection starts right away and lasts at least five months.
Who is it for?
• Babies younger than 8 months who are born during or entering their first RSV season, depending on whether and when mom received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
• Certain children ages 8 through 19 months who are at higher risk and entering their second RSV season.
Protection can also begin during pregnancy. An RSV vaccine given to mom between 32 and 36 weeks, typically September through January, allows antibodies to pass through the placenta to baby. Most babies do not need both. If mom wasn’t vaccinated, her vaccination status is unknown, or baby arrived less than two weeks after vaccination, the infant antibody shot is recommended.
Over the past three respiratory seasons of offering this shot, I’ve personally seen a meaningful difference in how sick my little patients get with RSV. That experience is why I feel so strongly about helping eligible babies get protected.
Wondering what’s right for your baby? Let’s talk at your next visit. Little patients. Big questions. Room for both. #PediatricCare
And for those stuffy little noses, I’ve linked a nasal aspirator below to help with clearing mucus. It doesn’t prevent RSV, but it can be a helpful tool to have on hand. Here’s the link: https://link.amazon/B06Qfos9Q
** These posts are for education, not personalized medical advice. Every child is different, so check with your child’s healthcare provider about what’s right for them. Posting my affiliate links, means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it, at no extra cost to you.
