Caregivers Should Learn How to Detect Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Written By Nathan Duke

Caregivers and educators should keep an eye on children’s health during the fall and winter seasons as a variety of illnesses - including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs that peaks in December and January - are on the rise.

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Caregivers and educators should know how to detect RSV - which can often be difficult to distinguish from the common cold, the flu, or COVID-19 - because some children can become very sick from the virus and need hospitalization.

RSV can be especially dangerous for infants and some young children and is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States. Immunizations can protect babies from getting very sick from the virus.

Two to three out of every 100 infants under the age of six months are hospitalized with RSV every year. Some who are hospitalized may require oxygen, IV fluids if they are unable to eat or drink, and mechanical ventilation via a machine that helps with breathing. Most improve with this type of supportive care and are discharged after a few days.

Immunization

Currently, there are two RSV immunizations available: Babies are either protected by their mother being vaccinated during pregnancy or through a shot at birth, or receiving a shot during RSV season. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released an RSV immunization guidance on infants and young children.

Symptoms and Preventing the Spread

Caregivers should contact their medical provider immediately if they see the following signs in an infant or young child:

  • Runny nose

  • Poor feeding

  • Congestion

  • Sneezing

  • Cough (dry or wet sounding)

  • Fussiness, irritability

  • Fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher)

More urgent symptoms - which should prompt caregivers to get children seen by a medical provider immediately - include:

  • Fast breathing

  • Flaring of the nostrils

  • Head bobbing with breathing

  • Rhythmic grunting during breathing

  • Belly breathing, tugging between the ribs and/or the lower neck

  • Wheezing

  • Lethargy

  • Skin or lips turning blue

To prevent the spread of RSV, caregivers and educators should practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes as well as washing or sanitizing hands often and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

It is also a good idea to take steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air or gathering outdoors. Those who feel ill should stay home and away from others.

For more information, check out PA Promise for Children’s guide on RSV.

Nathan Duke
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