RSV and Your Child: What to Know

Believe it or not, almost all children get the common virus known as RSV at least once before they reach the age of 2. But what exactly is RSV? And how do you know if your child has it? Here’s what all parents should know about RSV. 

What Is RSV?

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms in children and adults alike. RSV becomes increasingly more common in the colder months, beginning in the fall and ending in the spring.

While most who contract RSV recover in a week or two, RSV has the potential to become serious for young children, infants, and those with weakened immune systems. It’s the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the smaller airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in kids younger than 1 in the US. Learn about the CDC recommendations on RSV immunization for children 19 months of age and younger.

What are the Symptoms of RSV?

RSV typically causes typical cold-like symptoms in adults and children of all ages, which can include:

• Dry or wet cough
• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Possible fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
• Reduced appetite

When RSV leads to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, symptoms can become more severe. You should contact your child’s health-care provider if any of the following symptoms occur along with their cold-like symptoms: 

• Rapid breathing
• Grunting or wheezing when breathing
• Head bobbing when breathing
• Chest wall retractions when breathing: when your child’s rib cage ‘caves in,’ or an upside down V shape appears under their neck when they breathe
• Symptoms of dehydration such as: sunken eyes, no tears, lethargy, infrequent urination
• Gray or blue color to tongue, lips or skin
• Decreased activity and alertness
• A fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit repeatedly for a child of any age
• Symptoms that worsen or don’t begin to improve after seven days

RSV is diagnosed by doing a physical exam, along with a nasal swab test. Depending on your child’s symptoms, their provider may also order an X-ray or oxygen saturation test to ensure their lungs are clear of infection. 

Is RSV Contagious?

RSV is contagious, and spreads just like any other cold virus. It transfers from one person to another through the nose or eyes. Viruses like RSV are typically passed along by having direct contact with saliva or mucus, unclean hands, and germy surfaces. Knowing this, it’s no wonder children are prone to getting colds and viruses.

You can do your best to prevent RSV and other viruses by: 

• Washing hands: You, your family, and any caregivers should wash hands frequently with soap and water, and help your children do the same. If no soap and water is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. RSV can survive up to 30 minutes on unwashed hands. 
• Avoiding contact with sick people: Do your best to keep your child away from others who have cold-like symptoms. It’s especially important to avoid kissing, sharing drinks, or eating from the same utensils as your child if you’re not feeling your best. And if your child of any age does start to show symptoms, keep them home and away from others to prevent the spread to their peers. 
• Cleaning surfaces: Since RSV can survive up to six hours on surfaces, clean and disinfect high-touch areas and objects such as toys, doorknobs and phones frequently. 
• Covering up: Covering your mouth and nose with your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, then washing your hands, is essential to preventing the spread of germs. Teach your younger children how to cough and sneeze into their sleeve or a tissue, and remind older kids when needed.

How Is RSV Treated?

There is currently no cure for RSV, and no vaccine against it. However, there are definitely ways that you can help your child feel more comfortable if they have RSV or any other cold virus.

• Saline: Use a saline spray or drops in your child’s nose to help loosen mucus and breathe easier. If your child is too young to blow their nose after using saline, you can use a suction device to help them clear their nasal passages. 
• Humidifier: Keeping a cool mist humidifier in the room where your child sleeps or spends the most time can help break up mucus and ease their breathing. 
• Hydration: Getting plenty of liquids is key to helping your child overcome any illness. While small children and babies might not want to eat and drink as much when they don’t feel well, it’s important to continue offering fluids frequently. For babies, it may be helpful to use saline and suction their nose before breast or bottle feeding to help them feed more easily.
• Fever-reducing medicine: If your child has a fever, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (only for children older than 6 months) can be helpful for keeping them comfortable. It’s important to avoid cough and cold medications for younger children. Always check the labels on any over-the-counter medicine, and consult with your provider if you have questions.

If your child requires medical attention for a more serious case of RSV, bronchiolitis, or pneumonia, they may need a short hospital stay. Treatments can include oxygen, an IV line for fluids, or mechanical ventilation to help with breathing. And although this sounds scary, most kids are discharged within a few days after their symptoms improve. Lancaster General Hospital has a dedicated pediatric in-patient unit staffed by physicians from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Our expert staff is specially trained to treat children up to the age of 20—and should your child need care for RSV-related health issues, they’ll be in great hands.

We know that the risk of RSV can feel scary to parents of young children. But it’s important to remember that almost all little ones are able to recover from RSV on their own. If you have questions about your child’s symptoms, contact their provider for advice or assistance.