Baby's Health Alert: It's RSV Season

Facts about RSV:  What is it and how is it different from the common cold?  

Flu season brings along with it another thing for Moms to worry about.  Most of us have heard of RSV, but aren't quite sure what the deal is.  Is this something I should be afraid of?  What should I do if my baby is exposed to RSV?  What if my baby is diagnosed with RSV?  There are horror stories going around about serious illnesses and even deaths from RSV.  It’s important to get the facts before we panic! 

What is RSV?   RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of many viruses that (in MOST children) causes an upper respiratory infection = aka “the common cold.”  However, in babies who have chronic lung disease (CLD) or babies who were born prematurely (especially before 35 weeks gestation), it can cause serious illness.  It can cause pneumonia and is the leading cause of bronchiolitis (infection/inflammation of the small breathing tubes of the lungs). 

It’s transmitted just like the cold and flu – by direct contact or airborne droplets. 

As always the best way to prevent RSV is to stay away from other sick contacts, covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, throwing away tissues, and good hand washing. 

Symptoms of RSV?  - Are the same as the common cold:  runny nose, cough, and fever.  Usually the cough gets worse.  In serious cases, the baby’s breathing will become rapid and difficult (especially in those high risk groups: preemies and CLD).  Sometimes, feeding/drinking can become difficult, because it just takes too much energy for these babies to suck or swallow & they can easily get dehydrated.  Be especially on the lookout for any bluish color around the lips or fingertips.  These are a bad sign that not enough oxygen is being delivered to the baby’s bloodstream. If your baby has this or any of the following symptoms, contact your Pediatrician right away or get to your nearest emergency room: breathing difficulties, baby is younger than 2-3 months and has fever or shows any signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, crying without tears or urinating less often. 

Treatment of RSV is usually treatment of the symptoms.  It is a virus, so it usually has to just run its course, but sometimes inhaled medications called bronchodilators are used to help open up the airways.  Sometimes, this is not much help for babies with RSV at all, and if they are very ill, they may need to be hospitalized for observation, oxygen, and IV fluids.  Antibiotics won’t work, because RSV is not a bacteria.  In general though, treating RSV is just like treating the cold:  supportive treatment.  Nasal saline washes, running cool mist humidifiers, fluids, rest and fever reducers as needed…..and, of course……..Mommy’s TLC!!!!

The Good News about RSV is that most kiddos are well their way to recovery in about a week and as your baby gets older, the less serious RSV is, because the airways get larger.  After about age 2, RSV presents as just the common cold in most kids. 

The Bad News about RSV is that in preemies and kiddos with CLD, it can be a precursor to and make asthma and other breathing problems worse.  And children with heart disease can especially have a hard time recovering. 

Bottom Line:  Prevention is the key.  No one can say it enough.  Your baby should avoid contact with other sick people, and everyone should be washing their hands frequently, especially after coughs and sneezes.  If your baby was born prematurely, there is a vaccine available, so talk to your Pediatrician about that. 

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This post intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on SanAngeloMoms. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911."