Most people know about the cold and flu season. A few years ago, we added another virus to that list, COVID-19. But there’s yet another that parents of small children — infants and toddlers — whisper in fear every winter: RSV.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a top cause of respiratory illness in young children. As we head into winter, let’s review everything you must know to guard against RSV and guarantee the best health for your family.
1. RSV impacts babies differently
A person of any age can catch RSV, but it affects children under the age of 2 years the most of any age group. The majority of children will end up contracting it by the time they reach their second birthday, and healthy kids will have no problem fighting it.
In fact, with a typical, full-term baby, RSV may present as the common cold. However, premature babies, infants, and even some toddlers who suffer from chronic diseases or immune system challenges can be hit hard with RSV.
If you have a baby born prematurely or a child with heart, lung, or immune system diseases, then know that they are at an increased risk for more severe illness. Take all the precautions you can against RSV.
2. RSV is highly contagious
RSV is spread through tiny droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. Similar to COVID-19, the virus can live on surfaces (countertops, toys, doorknobs) or hands for a few hours. During peak RSV season, it can be easily spread from person to person through contact.
Fortunately, you can do your part to prevent RSV by disinfecting these surfaces in your home regularly and washing your hands before handling your baby.
3. RSV occurs in the winter months
The virus is more common in winter and early spring months. It is common to see yearly outbreaks in communities, classrooms, and childcare centers. Here are the most common symptoms of RSV.
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Apnea – short periods without breathing
- Trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Wheezing
- Flaring of the nostrils
- Straining of the chest or stomach while breathing
- Breathing faster than usual or trouble breathing
- Turning blue around the lips and fingertips
If you’re thinking, “Wow, that just sounds like a cold except for the breathing troubles,” then you’re right. RSV mimics the symptoms of a cold, and in more severe cases, it can inhibit breathing.
Most children will contract RSV when they are young, but not all of them will have a severe case that causes concern. If you suspect RSV due to the symptoms on the list above, reach out to your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. This will ensure that your child receives proper care
4. RSV can’t be treated with antibiotics
You may think of RSV as a violent and deadly virus because those are the ones that you hear about on the news. However, the vast majority of RSV cases are mild. If your child contracts RSV, they won’t need any specific treatment to heal (similar to the common cold).
That said, if they do have more severe symptoms and need medication, then keep in mind that antibiotics are not an option. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Since RSV is a virus, this treatment would not be useful. If you are not able to treat your baby at home, then you may need to see treatment at a hospital where they can observe your child and provide them with fluids or oxygen.
5. RSV can be treated at home
As noted above, most RSV cases can be treated at home. Here is what home treatment looks like.
- Using a bulb syringe to remove sticky nasal fluids
- Employing a cool-mist vaporizer to keep the air moist and enable easier breathing
- Keeping your baby hydrated by giving fluids in small amounts throughout the day
- Providing non-aspirin fever-reducers like acetaminophen
When should you head to the hospital? If you see any of the following symptoms, don’t hesitate to head to the ER.
- Dehydration (decrease in wet diapers)
- Difficult, labored, shallowed, or rapid breathing
- High fever
The hospital will help to treat these symptoms by administering oxygen, IV fluids, and medications to open the airways. If you’re feeling unsure of your baby’s status, give your pediatrician a call, and they can provide clarity.
6. RSV is preventable
Over the next several months, you’ll hear a lot of talk about RSV. Don’t let the buzz around this topic or the fear your child will end up in the hospital distract you from the fact that RSV is preventable. You can protect your child from RSV, and you should feel confident in that. Here are the top ways you can protect your family against RSV.
- Keep babies under 6 months old away from people with colds
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces, including their toys
- Wash your hands and your children’s hands to reduce the spread of germs
- Ask other people to wash their hands before touching your baby
- Avoid kissing your baby on the face if you have cold symptoms
- Keep your baby away from crowds
- Limit the time that high-risk babies spend in daycare in RSV season
- Breastfeed your baby (if possible) to protect against RSV and other illnesses
- Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune factors to prevent your baby from getting sick or getting better when they do catch a bug
- Vaccinate your baby to protect them from complications that can occur from a cold
- Avoid smoking in the same room or car with your child
- Exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the risk of RSV illness
7. RSV can happen to anyone
While you can control a lot of factors surrounding RSV, but you can only do so much. RSV can happen to anyone, so if your child happens to contract RSV, then don’t blame yourself. Just focus on getting your baby the best care you can. If you can treat it at home, great. If not, don’t hesitate to head to your pediatrician or local ER depending on what their symptoms are looking like.
How to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Cold, Flu, and RSV Season
Do you have an upcoming well-check appointment and want to make sure you cover all your bases? Now is a great time to pick your pediatrician’s brain on how to best protect your family. Here are some tips that will ensure you maximize your visit.
- Go into your visit with a goal and ask yourself, “What do I want to happen?”
- Write any questions you want answered in your Notes app before your visit
- Jot down the name of any new diagnosis or new medications, tests, and treatments that your child receives
- Write down any questions that your provider gives you, so you don’t forget
- Clarify why a medicine or treatment is being prescribed, how it’ll help your child, and what the side effects are
- Ask whether your child’s condition can be treated in other ways and why your provider chose this way
- Inquire about what could happen if your child doesn’t take the medicine, have the test, or do the procedure recommended
- Know how to contact your provider after office hours
- This is critical if your child contracts an illness like RSV where you need advice or have questions
Final Thoughts
Are you concerned about the upcoming RSV season? Do you want to have a reliable pediatrician on your healthcare team? Jacksonville Pediatric Care Centers provide care. Dr. Benitez and his team of Jacksonville pediatricians work around the clock to provide exceptional pediatric care, including RSV support!
