Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral infection that can affect anyone, but babies are particularly prone to the infection because they don’t always have well-developed airways and lungs. Failure to treat RSV can lead to more severe infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia and could require hospitalization in extreme cases. With COVID-19 on everyone’s mind, it’s important to understand the differences and know what the symptoms are of an RSV infection.
What does RSV stand for and what are the symptoms?|What does RSV stand for and what are the symptoms?
Treating RSV in babies|Treating RSV in babies
Because RSV is a virus, as mentioned previously there are no antibiotics or medications that will slow or cure the condition. Instead, doctors will treat the symptoms to help your baby with breathing while the virus runs its course.
In severe cases, your baby may be put on a mechanical ventilator. This is a breathing machine that inflates your baby’s lungs for them, allowing oxygen to enter. While it is no longer standard practice, some doctors will recommend a bronchodilator such as albuterol to help open up airways. This is no longer standard practice because it has not been proven to help open up the airways and treat the wheezing associated with RSV.
Babies that are dehydrated will receive an IV of fluids. Depending on the severity, this may be a one-time occurrence or set on a schedule while your baby is hospitalized.
Preventing RSV
Like most colds and viral infections, prevention is the best bet to remaining healthy and preventing the need for medical intervention. Many of the directives for preventing RSV follow directives for preventing common colds and even COIVD-19.
The best practices to prevent RSV include:
- Don't allow anyone to kiss your baby, and refrain from kissing your own baby if you have cold symptoms
- Clean and disinfect counters and other hard surfaces
- Don’t allow anyone to smoke near your baby
- Keep baby away from anyone with cold symptoms
- Avoid large crowds
- Make sure everyone washes their hands before touching baby
- Limit daycare hours where possible, especially during winter months
Currently there is no vaccine for RSV, although there is a medication known as palivizumab that is thought to help prevent the contraction and severity of RSV infections in high-risk babies. Your pediatrician may your baby a monthly shot if she is deemed high-risk for RSV.
