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RSV

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What is RSV?

RSV is short for respiratory syncytial virus infection. It causes the same symptoms as a bad cold. And like a cold, it is very common and spreads easily. Most children have had it at least once by age 2.

 

There are many kinds of RSV, so your child’s body never becomes immune to it.

 

Your child can get it again and again, sometimes during the same season.

Unlike the common cold, the flu comes on suddenly and the symptoms can be more severe

  • Cough
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Earache
  • Fever

It is very hard to keep from catching RSV, just like it is hard to keep from catching a cold. But you can lower the chances by practicing good health habits. Wash your hands often and teach your child to do the same.

Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two. There is no specific treatment for RSV infection.

  • Suction mucus
    from your baby’s nose if your baby can’t breathe well enough to eat or sleep.
  • Manage fever
    with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Never give aspirin to children.
  • Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea.
  • Follow-up care
    is a key part of your child’s treatment and safety.

Healthy adults and infants infected with RSV do not usually need to be hospitalized. But some people with RSV infection, especially older adults and infants younger than 2 years of age, may develop pneumonia or bronchiolitis. They may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated. In most severe cases, a person may require additional oxygen, or IV fluids (if they can’t eat or drink enough).

Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways in the lung. Symptoms may begin as mild, as described above. As bronchiolitis progresses, more serious symptoms can start, such as:

  • Breathing faster than normal
  • Pauses between breathings
  • Wheezing
  • A severe cough
  • Trouble eating and drinking

Site Locations

We have three locations in the Metro Atlanta area, including Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners (Norcross), and Johns Creek.

Call your doctor if your child is wheezing or having trouble breathing.

Call 9-1-1 anytime if you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have severe trouble breathing
  • You have constant chest pain or pressure
  • You are severely dizzy or lightheaded
  • You are confused or can’t think clearly
  • You have pale, gray, or blue-colored skin or lips
  • You pass out or are very hard to wake up
  • You have weakness or drooping on one side of the face
  • You have weakness or numbness in an arm or a leg
  • You have a severe headache
  • You have a seizure


You can learn more about RSV by visiting the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Website
https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

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