Children with RSV Symptoms Require Evaluation

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is one of the many viruses that cause colds and flu-like illnesses.  Symptoms may include fever, cough, runny nose, fussiness, and poor food and fluid intake.  Symptoms generally last an average of 5-7 days and are typically the worst on days three through five of the illness.

RSV can be diagnosed by a physical exam and nasal swab at Urgent Specialists or at your Pediatrician’s office.

If you notice the following symptoms, please consult a health care professional:

• Fast breathing

• Flaring of the nostrils

• Head bobbing with breathing

• Grunting

• Belly breathing or chest retractions

• Wheezing

While many of the treatments can be managed at home, it is important to seek evaluation to determine if your child has RSV or something else.  RSV may lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children that can be quite serious. A healthcare provider can help determine the severity of the case, oftentimes avoiding a costly and burdensome trip to the ER in cases of mild to moderate RSV, and more importantly advise if hospitalization is necessary in more serious cases.

Treatments include good hydration, acetaminophen (trade name Tylenol,) saline nasal spray with nasal bulb suctioning, cool mist vaporizer and propping the head of the bed. There is no cure for RSV and medications such as steroids and antibiotics will not help with RSV.   

RSV is contagious and is spread from one person to another with direct contact with saliva, mucus, or nasal discharge.  Careful hand washing and cleaning of contaminated surfaces is the best possible prevention.

Most children (and adults) recover completely in one to two weeks.  Keep in mind, children and adults can get RSV several times in a single season. 

Please reach out to Urgent Specialists or your pediatrician if you suspect your child has RSV.