Understanding Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
By Nancy Gill
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, is a virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. RSV can be severe for infants under 6 months of age. It’s the most common cause of pneumonia in children under the age of 1 year in the US (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). Almost everyone gets RSV by the age of 2.
Who is at risk?
Children who are at high risk for a severe case of RSV are premature infants (those born early at less than 36 weeks), those under 2 years of age with a congenital heart condition or chronic lung disease, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Infants who are exposed to tobacco smoke and those whose mother smoked during pregnancy are also at risk.
How is RSV spread?
RSV is very contagious, spreading whenever someone infected with RSV coughs or sneezes and the infected droplets come in contact with your mouth, nose or eyes.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
The symptoms of RSV are similar to the common cold. Those with RSV may have a cough, runny nose, sneezing, fever and poor appetite. Infants may become irritable, have decreased activity and breathing difficulties (CDC, 2010).
How can you treat RSV?
Because RSV is a virus and not a bacterial infection, antibiotics won’t work. Make certain that your child receives plenty of fluids. You can use a cool mist vaporizer to keep the air moist. Try to have your child blow their nose frequently to remove the mucus. For infants, you can use a bulb syringe.
When should you call your doctor?
You should call your doctor immediately if your child develops any of the following symptoms (March of Dimes, 2010):
- Difficulty breathing;
- Wheezing (makes a ‘whistling’ sound when breathing);
- Worsening cough;
- Thick yellow or green nasal drainage;
- Difficulty swallowing or sucking;
- Fever; or
- Looks blue around the mouth or fingertips.
How can you prevent your child from getting RSV?
There is no vaccine to prevent RSV. But you can help to prevent the spread of RSV. The RSV virus can live on surfaces for several hours (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases [NIAID], 2008). Clean any surfaces that may be contaminated with the RSV virus with soap and water or disinfectant. There are many surfaces that we may not think about such as doorknobs, toys, phones, tables, pens and pencils:
But what else can you do to protect your child?
Keep your child away from people who have cold symptoms. Stay away from crowded areas, such as in shopping malls, grocery stores, etc. Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your child.
If you can take action on even some of the above recommendations you are taking a positive step towards keeping your child healthy and free from RSV. Remember, to talk with your pediatrician about any concerns you may have and treatment options for RSV.
Written by Nancy Gill, RN, BSN, CPHQ, Director of Clinic Operations, Good Night Pediatrics. Reviewed by Dr Michael C McQueen, founder of Good Night Pediatrics which provides all-night urgent care for children every night of the year from 5PM to 5AM.