What is RSV?

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus -- a virus that affects the respiratory tract, usually in children under two. When adults and older children have it, it's usually very mild.

Small children and infants admitted to the hospital with respiratory illness often have RSV, and it's most common in early spring and winter.

How can you get it?

The virus is spread through contact with droplets of mucus and saliva during sneezing and coughing. The virus can live up to six hours on surfaces like table tops, toys, and pacifiers. So it's very important to wash your hands well to prevent spreading the virus to yourself and others.

What are the symptoms?

It starts with a low-grade fever and runny nose. Other symptoms include a sore throat (pharyngitis), symptoms of the "common cold," a cough, ear infection, redness and mucus in the eyes, wheezing, and chest congestion. These symptoms appear five to eight days after infection with the virus. A hard, repeated cough; faster, harder breathing; and vomiting with the cough may start a few days later. Infants may be irritable and difficult to feed.

How do you know it is RSV?

Your doctor will order a specific test for RSV using nose and throat secretions from your child.

How do you treat RSV?

Humidified oxygen and elevating the head of the bed up approximately 30 degrees may help your child's breathing. Your doctor may order IV (intravenous) fluids if your child has not been drinking or eating well. In severe cases, the doctor may order a medication called Ribavirin. This is given by mist into a croup tent or oxygen hood. If Ribavirin is ordered, please let your doctor or nurse know if you or anyone visiting is pregnant.

How long will my child be in the hospital?

It depends on how sick your child is and what treatment he needs. Your child's doctor can answer those questions the best.

The best way to keep from spreading RSV at home and in the hospital is to wash your hands ???- especially before and after holding your baby. Also, avoid sharing toys, bottles, and pacifiers with other infants and toddlers.

When to call the doctor

Call the doctor immediately if your child:

• Can't stop coughing after 10 minutes in a hot steamy bathroom.
• Has more noisy breathing.
• Has fever greater than 101??F.
• Has more difficulty finding a comfortable position to breath.
• Lips or nails become bluish.
• Shortness of breath is worse.
• Refuses to drink fluids.
• Is not making urine at least six times a day.

From the Parent/Patient Education Series
Holmes Regional Medical Center Pediatric Services

Peds: Pt Ed 6. Revised 4/98, 6/00.