Riverside Healthcare | The Journey | Fall/Winter 2023

8 RiversideHealthcare.org Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is so common that nearly all children have had it by their second birthday. But what is RSV? And why is it important to recognize when your child has RSV— especially RSV that may be getting worse? RSV is a cold-like illness that affects the lungs, nose and throat. “RSV can spread easily from person to person,” says Riverside primary care provider Ramanpreet Grewal, MD. “This virus lives in the droplets that go into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. One can also get it from direct exposure to the virus droplets.” Most kids who get RSV recover on their own in a week or two. But young children with RSV can sometimes get very sick. They may get bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia and need to be hospitalized for a few days. Spot the signs RSV often starts like a mild cold. The symptoms may include a runny nose, a cough, and a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher. Very young babies with Ramanpreet Grewal, MD Riverside Primary Care Find a caring provider To find a provider that’s right for your family, visit RiversideHealthcare.org/primarycare. Caring for a child with RSV There is no cure for RSV. But you may be able to ease the symptoms until the virus runs its course by: ● Using nasal saline and a suction bulb to clear a stuffy nose for easier breathing. ● Giving your child over-thecounter medicines as directed by your child’s doctor. ● Helping your child drink plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration. If your child has worsening RSV symptoms, be sure to call and make an appointment with their doctor. RSV Plus, tips for easing the symptoms How to spot the signs of RSV may only be cranky, tired and less interested in feeding. If the RSV gets worse, children may have additional symptoms, like fast breathing or wheezing (a whistling sound when your child breathes). When to call the doctor You should call your child’s doctor if your child has trouble breathing or other worsening symptoms; trouble drinking; signs of dehydration (such as fewer than one wet diaper per eight hours); or decreased alertness. “You should also call your doctor if your child has any of these RSV symptoms and is under 3 months of age,” Dr. Grewal adds. Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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