Greetings everyone!
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in children. Almost all kids get at least one RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. Recovery is uneventful for most children, but sometimes RSV can be serious. The virus is the most common cause of inflammation of airways in the lungs and the leading cause of pneumonia in children under 1 year of age.
We typically see a lot of kids in our office for RSV during fall and winter, the typical flu season. Interestingly, this year, we are already seeing an increased number of RSV cases. On June 10th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory to clinicians and caregivers about increased RSV activity in Southern United States. The CDC is concerned that older infants and toddlers might now be at increased risk of severe RSV-associated illness this season.
The CDC notes that RSV symptoms in infants under 6 months of age can include irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, and/or breathing issues. Remember, fever may not always be seen in young infants. In infants over 6 months and in young children, runny nose and decreased appetite may appear 1-3 days before cough, often followed by sneezing, fever, and sometimes wheezing. Older children may experience other symptoms including classic flu-like symptoms, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, and fever. Watch out and visit your pediatrician if you notice your child experiencing trouble breathing (short, shallow and rapid breathing), has a poor appetite or decreased activity level, has cold symptoms that become severe, or a shallow cough that continues throughout the day and night.
Simple hygiene tips to reduce the risk of RSV to your kiddo (and yourself): Wash your hands often; keep hands off the face; avoid close contact with sick people; cover your sneeze; disinfect toys and mobiles. And wearing a mask when outside certainly helps!
Be well,
Dr. Vani