Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory infection affecting the lungs and airways. While often causing mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can lead to severe illness, especially in infants and older adults. Most children experience this infection by age two. This article covers recognizing symptoms, home care, when to seek medical attention, and preventing its spread.
Recognizing RSV Symptoms
Symptoms of RSV appear four to six days after exposure. In adults and older children, RSV presents as mild, cold-like signs. These include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a dry cough, low-grade fever, fatigue, and a sore throat.
The virus can spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing more pronounced symptoms like wheezing, a high-pitched sound during exhalation. This results from inflammation of small airway passages, leading to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. In infants, RSV symptoms may differ, appearing as irritability, decreased activity, or a reduced appetite.
Concerning signs in young children include a persistent cough (dry or phlegm-producing) and rapid or labored breathing. Infants may struggle to breathe, showing short, shallow, fast breaths, or even pauses. These difficulties occur because their smaller airways are more susceptible to inflammation and mucus obstruction.
Home Care for RSV
Most mild RSV cases resolve at home within one to two weeks. A key part of home care is ensuring adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration. For infants, offer breast milk or formula more frequently in smaller amounts. Older children should drink plenty of water or electrolyte solutions.
Manage fever and discomfort with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. These can reduce fever and relieve body aches or sore throats. Always consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosages, especially for infants and young children, and never give aspirin to children.
Clear nasal passages to improve breathing and feeding. Saline nasal drops can thin mucus, and a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can remove discharge from infants’ noses, especially before feedings. Use a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room to moisten the air, easing congestion and coughing. Plenty of rest helps the body fight the infection, so minimize activity and maintain a regular sleep schedule.
When to Contact a Doctor
Signs indicating the need for professional medical attention are important to recognize, even though many RSV cases are mild. Seek immediate care for severe difficulty breathing, such as rapid, shallow breathing, flaring nostrils, or skin pulling between the ribs with each breath. A bluish color around the lips, skin, or fingernails (cyanosis) signals a lack of oxygen and requires emergency intervention.
Dehydration is a serious concern, especially in infants. Signs include fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, or a sunken soft spot on the head. An infant who is unusually tired, irritable, or refusing to feed may also indicate a worsening condition.
Contact a healthcare provider if an infant under three months old has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C), or if a child of any age has a fever above 104°F (40°C). Worsening cough, persistent wheezing, or symptoms that do not improve after a week also warrant medical consultation. Individuals over 65, those with compromised immune systems, or pre-existing heart or lung conditions should also contact their doctor if they develop RSV symptoms.
Preventing RSV Spread
Preventing RSV spread involves practicing good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching shared surfaces. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and promptly dispose of used tissues to limit respiratory droplet spread. Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and countertops, as the virus can survive on objects for several hours.
Specific preventative measures are available for certain populations. High-risk infants may receive an injection of infection-fighting antibodies. Vaccines are also available for pregnant individuals to protect their newborns and for adults aged 60 and older. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate preventative strategies for your family.