Virtual Children's Hospital: CQQA: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: December 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

What is RSV?

Who can get RSV?

It is most common in infants 2-6 months old.
Children who were born early or children with lung, heart, and immune problems are at greater risk of a severe RSV infection.
Almost 100% of children in daycare get RSV before age 1.
It is most common from late fall to early spring. It is rare in summer.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Children under 3 years old

RSV could cause bronchiolitis, otitis media (ear infection), or pneumonia.
Symptoms could include high fever, bad cough, and wheezing.
In more severe cases, it could cause difficulty breathing. Signs are wheezing, a blue color to the lips or skin, and the chest sucks in with each breath.

Children over 3 years old

RSV usually causes symptoms of a cold, with stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, mild cough, and low fever.

Is RSV contagious?

Yes. RSV is very contagious.
It can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or contact with infected items.
The virus can survive on a surface for hours.
If the virus gets on your hands, you can be infected if you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes.
It can be passed between children at school and carried home to infect others in the household.
It is also easily passed in hospitals between patients and staff.
Your child may be contagious even if she does not have symptoms.
Children with RSV do not need to stay home from school or daycare. It usually doesn't prevent the spread of infection to other children.

How is RSV treated?

Children need to stay home only if they feel too ill to do normal activities.
There is no cure. Antibiotics will not work.
The goal is to help children feel better while their bodies fight the infection.
Putting a cool-mist humidifier in the room often helps children breath easier.
Children should drink plenty of fluids.
If your infant has a stuffy nose, saline (salt-water) nose drops might help. Drops can be found at the store. Ask the pharmacist for help.
Use a suction bulb to clear the nose.
Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol, Temporal Panadol, or Liquiprin) can be used to treat fever, headache, aches and pains, and sore throat. Use the right amount of medication based on weight, not age.
Do not give children aspirin or medicine with aspirin in it. It could cause brain or liver damage. Talk to your doctor first.

How long does RSV last?

How can RSV be prevented?

Wash your hands often, especially after being around someone with an RSV infection.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes after being around an infected person.
Throw used tissues away after use.
Keep infected children away from infants until symptoms are gone.
Premature infants and children with chronic lung disease are at high risk for a severe RSV infection.
Children at high risk can be given a shot. It is called Synagis (TM). It helps protect infants from infection. The shot does not last a long time. It has to be given about once a month to work.

When should I call the doctor?

Call if your infant has symptoms of an RSV infection.
Call if your child has a fever above 101 degrees F (or 38.3 degrees C).
Call if a cough lasts more than 4 days or child is coughing up yellow, green, or gray mucus.
Call if your child has thick nasal discharge (out of the nose) that is yellow, green, or gray.
Call if your child has chest pain, difficulty breathing, fast breathing, or a blue color to the lips or skin.
Call if your child is unusually tired.
Call if you have questions or concerns about your child's symptoms.
Ask your doctor if your infant is at high risk for a severe RSV infection. Should she get a shot to protect her against infection?

Quick Answers

RSV is a virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.
It is most common in infants 2-6 months old.
Symptoms are similar to a common cold and could include stuffy nose, fever, cough, and in some cases, wheezing or an ear infection.
It can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing, or contact with infected items.
Antibiotics will not help. The goal is to help children feel better while their bodies fight the infection.
It usually lasts 7 to 14 days. It could last up to 3 weeks.
Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of infection.
Call the doctor if your infant has symptoms of an RSV infection.

References

CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in the Child Care Setting. 1997 January (cited 2001 October 29). Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/abc/facts31.htm
MayoClinic. RSV Vaccine. 1998 November 9 (cited 2001 October 29). Available from: URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=HQ01317
National Center of Infectious Disease. Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch. CDC. 2001 August 20 (cited 2001 October 29). Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/respiratory/rsvfeat.htm
Rutherford, K MD. Respiratory Syncytial Virus. 2001 May (cited 2001 October 29). Available from: URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=107&cat_id=&article_set=22938

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