Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a severe respiratory infection that affects people of all age groups. However, RSV is more common in babies and may result in serious complications. This is because the babies’ airways aren’t completely developed, so they cannot cough mucus like older children or adults. Further, their airways are smaller, and they experience airway blockage resulting in breathing problems.

In most people, RSV causes cold symptoms accompanied by cough but in babies, it can cause a more severe illness called bronchiolitis. Babies with this problem have wheezing along with cough. RSV can also lead to other serious infections like pneumonia and at times babies may need to get treatment at a hospital.

RSV is a virus infection, hence currently no medications are available that can treat it to lessen the duration of the illness. Instead, healthcare providers often suggest remedies to help control symptoms until the infection spreads.

Also Read: Recurrent Pneumonia In Children: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Generally, people can spread RSV during cooler climates when they are mostly indoors and are likely to interact with others.

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Symptoms Of RSV In Babies

Usually, in older kids, RSV can cause symptoms similar to a cold, but in babies, the virus can cause more serious symptoms, which include

• Rapid breathing than usual
• Difficulty breathing and feeding
• Cough
• Fever
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Runny nose
• Sneezes
• Laboured breathing using chest muscles
• Wheezing

Prematurely born babies or babies with heart ailments or a history of wheezing or breathing problems are more likely to show RSV symptoms.

Also Read: Know About The Underlying Causes For Wheezing

RSV Vs COVID-19

RSV and COVID-19 are both respiratory tract infections that share many similar symptoms. Both conditions can cause fever, cough, runny nose, and sneezing.  Stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhoea may also develop in babies with COVID-19. If your child has any of the below symptoms then paediatrician may recommend testing for both RSV and COVID-19, depending on cases in your place and their risk of exposure to either of these viruses.

When To Seek Medical Help

Get immediate medical care if your baby has trouble breathing and watch out for these symptoms:

• Dehydration
• Breathing difficulties
• Blue fingernails or mouth
• High temperatures greater than 100 degrees F, rectally checked in babies younger than 3 months
• Fever greater than 104-degree F in children of any age
• Thick nasal discharge that makes it difficult for the child to breathe

Treatment

In severe cases, babies may need the support of a breathing machine known as a mechanical ventilator, which helps to inflate the baby’s lungs until the virus is cleared away.

Healthcare providers routinely treat most cases of RSV with bronchodilators, but now experts no longer recommend this. However, doctors prescribe bronchodilators for people with asthma or COPD to help open the airways and treat wheezing, but it doesn’t help the wheezing that comes with RSV bronchiolitis. If the baby has dehydration, then IV fluids are given.

How To Prevent Dehydration In Babies With RSV?

Babies should be breastfed or given formula milk to prevent dehydration. Doctors may also recommend an electrolyte replacement solution like Pedialyte to maintain fluid balance. Keep the baby in an upright position while breastfeeding, which makes it easier for babies to breathe.

Cigarette smoke can worsen the symptoms of RSV. Hence it is very vital to limit babies’ exposure to passive smoke, as this helps to keep their lungs healthy and functioning. 

Is RSV Contagious?

A healthy baby infected with RSV can transmit the infection to someone for 3 to 8 days. So, try to isolate the child with the infection from other siblings or children to avert transmission.

RSV is highly transmissible via direct and indirect contact with a person who has an active infection by touching a person’s droplet secretion from coughing or sneezing and then rubbing your eyes or nose.

Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds every time is the best possible way to lessen the risk of RSV.

The virus also survives on hard surfaces, such as a crib or toys, for several hours. If your baby has RSV, then frequently clean toys and surfaces where they play and eat to decrease the transmission of germs.