The symptoms of RSV in children sometimes make parents think that their child only has the common cold virus. Here’s what you need to know about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
Medically reviewed by Ika Villanueva Caperonce, MD · Infectious Disease · Makati Medical Center
The symptoms of RSV in children sometimes make parents think that their child only has the common cold virus. Here’s what you need to know about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus, shortened as RSV, is one of the most common causes of bronchiolitis in children. Bronchiolitis is the inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles). Additionally, it’s also a common cause of pneumonia in small babies. A lot of children will be affected by this virus at least once before their 2nd birthday.
Please note that even adults can contract RSV. It’s just that for them (and for healthy children over the age of two), it’ll present like a common cold. The symptoms of RSV in younger children, especially those with a compromised immune system, are more alarming.
RSV is very contagious. Babies often get them from adults or children who got the virus from school. The virus enters the child’s eyes, mouth, or nose via:
While anyone can get the virus, some conditions predispose a child to be more at risk. Children and small babies have a higher risk of contracting RSV if they:
If your child has the risk factors mentioned above, you should look closely at the following signs and symptoms.
First, look for cold-like signs. Children who only show cold-like signs may improve with home remedies. However, if the cold symptoms are accompanied or followed by the more severe signs, then medical care might be necessary.
Most children will only have the symptoms above. However, few will also experience severe symptoms of RSV in children.
With RSV, the cold-like signs may progress to or be accompanied by the following, more severe symptoms. This is especially the case if your child has the risk factors mentioned above. Additionally, note that these symptoms are also related to bronchiolitis, one of the diseases caused by RSV.
Because RSV can lead to complications like pneumonia, middle-ear infection, and asthma, it’s important to bring your child to the doctor if:
In most cases, the symptoms of RSV in children are just mild and can be managed at home. If they developed the milder signs, you can:
Now that you have a general idea about the symptoms of RSV in children, it’s time to learn about prevention. To protect your child from contracting RSV, you may do the following:
The symptoms of RSV in children will ultimately determine if they need hospitalization. Very few children need hospital confinement, but when they do, they might receive oxygen treatment to help them breathe easier. The doctor might also give them intravenous fluids to help in hydration.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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