Updated Nov. 2023
You’ve probably heard cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are rapidly increasing in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Families should know about RSV because some children can get very sick and need hospitalization.
RSV is a virus which usually causes common cold symptoms in most children and adults. Both children and adults can get RSV. While it usually causes mild illness, it is important to know that younger children are at much higher risk for serious complications requiring urgent treatment and in some cases hospitalization.
Factors increasing children’s risk for severe RSV infections include:
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- 3 months of age or younger (due to difficulty clearing mucus from smaller airways)
- Being around other children in a school, child care setting, or at home
- Living in crowded housing situations
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- Children with a history of weakened immune systems, preterm birth, or heart or lung problems
It is particularly concerning right now because of the spread of RSV and other seasonal respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu). Strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, like strict hand washing and sanitation practices, along with masking, can limit the spread of all respiratory and viral illnesses, such as RSV and the flu. Talk to your healthcare professional for prevention and treatment options of RSV and other respiratory illnesses.
Look for these Signs and Symptoms of RSV
Contact your child’s medical provider today if you see any of these:
- Runny nose
- Poor feeding
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Cough (dry or wet sounding)
- Fussiness, irritability
- Fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher)
Your child must be seen immediately by a medical provider if you see any of these:
- Fast breathing
- Flaring of the nostrils
- Head bobbing with breathing
- Rhythmic grunting during breathing
- Belly breathing, tugging between the ribs, and/or the lower neck
- Wheezing
- Lethargy
- Skin/lips turning blue (cyanosis)
Additional Resources
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) at aap.org and www.HealthyChildren.org
- RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold (Updated 10/23/2023)
- RSV in Infants and Young Children (CDC.gov August 4, 2023)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (for Parents) – (Nemours KidsHealth October 2023)