Beware of RSV

So many times our child will get a cold that seems to get worst. We take them to the doctor and they suggest a viral illness. Many times the doctor is unable to tell you what virus your baby has. Young children with a cough and a runny nose without a fever, can be watched at home, as long as they are eating well, are going to the bathroom and have no problems breathing. There are those times though that a virus is not a common cold it is RSV or Respiratory Syntactical Virus. 

RSV can present itself with less subtle symptoms. In babies  6 months or older they may cough and wheeze, not have an appetite, breath harder and faster and have a thick clear to yellow nasal mucus. Children 6 months or younger have lung or cardiac problems or if they were born prematurely then RSV may lead to hospitalization. Many times they will need oxygen or IV fluids to stay fully hydrated. 

Between the months of October to April RSV infection will become more present. It seems that in January and February the chance of RSV peaks. By the age of 2 most children have been exposed to RSV. RSV appears like influenza having more than one strain. It is not common for  children to get RSV more than one time a year.

Daycare centers are once again plagued with RSV in the winter months. The virus lives on hard surfaces for 7 hours. The incubation period is 4 to 7 days and is contagious for up to 8 days. As with many other infections washing hands and avoiding tobacco exposure helps decrease chances of being infected. Try to avoid trips to crowded areas when children are younger than 6 months old. Babies born prematurely should be given immunization to lessen the symptoms of RSV 

Up to 50% of infants each year are infected with RSV. Each year there will be 125,000 children hospitalized with RSV and 500 deaths from the virus. Since there is no treatment for RSV as it is a virus the hospital can try to cut symptoms using oxygen and fluids. If you have concerns of babys temperature, decreased appetite or ability to breathe then call your baby's physician. 

Our family has experienced RSV when our middle daughter was 8 months old. Very scary but we were not alone. It seems that the entire hospital in the childrens department was full. The toy room was shut down because RSV is passed. We survived the infection after IV's many sleepless nights, and the stay in the hospital. 

resource: here