It’s time to start washing your hands more and keeping those countertops disinfected; it’s RSV season. I’m fairly certain we’ve got a case of it circulating our house, since this morning I heard the tell tale “barking cough” coming from my son’s room and his nose has been running like crazy. He’s been taking extra naps, drinking plenty of fluids and seems to be improving as the day progresses. I put him to bed an hour early tonight and I’m hoping that the extra sleep will help rid him of this illness.
RSV is one of the most common respiratory illness among small children. RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. While it causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and older children, it can become serious for young babies, particularly if they are at risk for respiratory problems. Premature babies are often affected much more seriously by this condition, and even more so if they have developed other respiratory issues such as asthma.
Some of the symptoms of RSV include bluish skin caused by a lack of oxygen, difficulty breathing, a croupy cough, fever, nasal flaring, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, stuffy nose and wheezing. For young children who already suffer from conditions like asthma, it is enough to land them in the hospital. Kids who do end up in the hospital are typically given oxygen, IV fluids and humidified air. Occasionally a ventilator is also necessary. Most RSV infections are mild and will go away on their own, but it is important to monitor and treat RSV if it becomes serious, since it can lead to bronchiolitis, croup, ear infections, lung failure and pneumonia.
It’s important to note that RSV cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is a virus.
If you have a case of RSV going around your home, do not panic. Try to separate whoever is ill from the rest of your family and make sure everyone washes their hands frequently. Always wash your hands before touching the baby and do not kiss the baby if might be carrying the virus.
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