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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is spreading rapidly once again, causing concern among healthcare professionals about the potential strain on hospital resources. This illness is particularly dangerous for infants and older adults, so it’s important to be informed about the risks and what actions to take.
What is RSV?
RSV is a viral infection that presents symptoms similar to a common cold, including a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and wheezing. It can also cause a loss of appetite, especially in young children.
For most adults and children, RSV is usually not a serious concern. You might catch it, experience some coughing and sniffles, and then recover. According to the American Association of Pediatrics, most people will have had RSV at least once by the time they turn 2. However, it can be particularly tough on babies, making it one of the leading causes of hospitalization for children under 1 year old.
Who is at risk for severe complications from RSV?
Premature babies and infants younger than 6 months are at a heightened risk of severe illness from RSV, according to the CDC. Other children more likely to face serious complications include those with weakened immune systems, heart defects, chronic lung conditions, or any illness that affects their ability to breathe or swallow.
Older adults are also at an increased risk. This includes individuals over the age of 65, as well as those with weakened immune systems or chronic heart or lung diseases.
What symptoms should you be on the lookout for?
The American Academy of Pediatrics explains that RSV initially causes cold-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough, congestion, fussiness, or trouble feeding. In some cases, it can develop into bronchiolitis, a more serious condition. (If your child is 3 months old or younger and has a temperature above 100.4°F, contact a doctor immediately. Infections causing fever are especially risky for this age group.)
Bronchiolitis may include the cold-like symptoms mentioned earlier, but it can also present with signs that your child is struggling to breathe. These might include rapid breathing, wheezing, grunting, or the appearance of the chest caving in with each breath. Additionally, a lack of oxygen can cause the lips or skin to take on a bluish tint. If your child is having difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
The AAP advises contacting your child’s doctor if you notice any of the above signs of bronchiolitis or if your child shows symptoms of dehydration, such as having fewer than one wet diaper every eight hours or seeming unusually lethargic.
RSV symptoms generally last between five to seven days. However, if the illness persists beyond seven days, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor, as this could indicate that RSV started as a cold and progressed into an ear infection.
Are there tests and treatments available for RSV?
If your child is otherwise healthy, particularly if they are older than 3 months, they generally won't be tested for RSV specifically. You'll recognize that they have a respiratory virus, and you'll just need to allow time for recovery. However, if a child becomes very ill, they may need to be hospitalized. Treatment is mostly supportive, meaning they'll likely receive fluids and assistance with breathing. Although there is no specific treatment for RSV, a test can confirm its presence. (Your child will probably be tested for multiple viruses, such as RSV, the flu, or COVID, as doctors have specific tests available for each.)
Currently, there is no vaccine for RSV. However, if your child is immunocompromised, an antibody treatment called palivizumab may lower their chances of contracting the virus. (If your child is a candidate for this treatment, your doctor will likely bring it up.)
How can you prevent RSV?
Although this might not be groundbreaking, the best way to lower your risk of contracting RSV (or your child's, or your elderly relative's risk) is to follow general precautions to avoid illnesses such as the common cold:
Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces
COVID-19 precautions, such as wearing masks, also help protect against RSV. However, RSV is more easily spread via hands or surfaces than COVID, which is why extra focus on cleaning and hand hygiene is crucial for prevention.
