Respiratory Syncytial Virus Is Like A Cold In Most Children, But A Serious Illness For Some

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Also Included In: Ear, Nose and Throat;  Respiratory / Asthma;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 07 Nov 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Because what seems to be a common cold can land some babies in the hospital, RSV is a scary illness for parents of infants and toddlers. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is so common that half of all children have had it by age 1, and virtually all have had it by age 2, said Dr. Shannon Hoime, pediatrician with McGreevy Clinic Avera in Sioux Falls. For most kids, RSV comes and goes almost unnoticed, because it resembles a common cold with symptoms like stuffiness, low-grade fever and coughing.

"It may look and act just like a cold. But in younger children, especially infants, RSV can lead to wheezing and pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalization," said Dr. Hoime. "It's a leading reason for hospitalization during the winter months, especially infants."

"We tend to see the most trouble in infants under 6 months, but certainly kids up to 18 months or 2 years of age can develop wheezing to the point where we have to admit them to the hospital," Dr. Hoime said. Premature babies and those with heart conditions are especially vulnerable.

While most colds affect the upper respiratory system - the nose and throat - RSV tends to affect the lower respiratory tract, Dr. Hoime said. Instead of the cold getting better within a few days, the illness starts to worsen. The child with RSV may start wheezing or breathing faster than normal, have difficulty breathing, be listless and refuse to eat.

"The most common reason for hospitalization is when the blood's oxygen level goes lower than normal," Dr. Hoime said. Or, children may experience dehydration, especially if they aren't feeding well.

Because RSV is a virus, there's no medicinal cure. "Antibiotics don't touch RSV at all," Dr. Hoime said. Hospital treatments involve oxygen and IV fluids for dehydration, and medications to treat wheezing and other symptoms. Fortunately, RSV deaths are rare, especially if the baby gets appropriate treatment early.

The RSV season typically begins in November, and peaks in January or February. Naturally, parents want to avoid having their children exposed to RSV, but that's virtually impossible. "It's very contagious, and the virus is just rampant during the winter months," Dr. Hoime said. RSV is spread through small respiratory droplets, most often through touch, although the virus can be breathed in.

Even if children are not in daycare, they're likely to be exposed through an older sibling, at church or the grocery store, Dr. Hoime said. "We can't keep our kids in a bubble."

While RSV shouldn't scare them into staying home, parents can take extra precautions such as frequent hand-washing. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in the diaper bag, Dr. Hoime suggested. If your child does come down with a cold, watch for symptoms such as difficulty breathing or wheezing, and call your doctor if you are concerned.

Breastfeeding can help boost a baby's immune system, but it's not guaranteed to prevent RSV, Dr. Hoime said. Babies with risk factors such as prematurity or heart conditions may quality for an immunization against RSV.

"RSV is not always going to be a scary illness. Most often, it will look like a cold. But if you have a newborn during the winter months, it's important to take extra precautions," Dr. Hoime said.

For more information about RSV and other health topics, go to the Health Library of the Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center.

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

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