Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV, is the most common virus that can affect the lungs and airways.
The virus causes colds and is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia in young infants and toddlers. RSV typically causes mild symptoms that only last a few days and do not require medical attention. However, some people with an RSV infection, especially infants younger than six months old and older adults, may need to be hospitalized if they are having trouble breathing or are dehydrated.
Most children will have at least one RSV infection by the age of two. Children are more likely catch RSV between November and April when the virus is most active.
Children with RSV may experience cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, runny nose, fever, wheezing, decrease in appetite and energy, and irritability.
Because RSV is a virus, antibiotics will not help your child get better faster. In most cases, you can take care of your child at home as long as they are breathing comfortably, their skin does not look blue and they are drinking and urinating as usual.
Here are some ways to treat a child with RSV:
You should take your child to an emergency department if they:
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