What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause infections in the nose, throat, lungs and respiratory tract. Historically, almost all children are infected with RSV by age 2, and re-infections are common at all ages.

RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization in infants. Cases of RSV and other respiratory illnesses — such as enterovirus, rhinovirus and parainfluenza — are surging throughout the United States, placing many pediatric hospitals at full capacity. If your child needs emergency care, it may be helpful to check your local hospital wait times as you consider your options for care.

What parents need to know about common viruses: Cold, flu, COVID, RSV and more

Why is RSV so bad this year?

RSV infections declined significantly during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to masking and social distancing measures, young children were not exposed to common germs during this time.

As many return to schools and other public places without masks, germs and viruses are spreading as normal. However, with less built-up immunity, children are more vulnerable than usual.

People can catch RSV more than once, but the first time a child has an RSV infection, they are generally sicker than they are the next time. Because of COVID-19 prevention measures, we have one and two year olds who are just now having their first RSV infection.

This makes it even more important to pay attention to your child’s health, as well as those around them.

What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know About RSV

Common symptoms for RSV include:

  • Runny nose
  • Decreased appetite
  • Coughing and wheezing
  • Sneezing
  • Fever

Most people will only experience mild symptoms and recover after one to two weeks. However, symptoms can be more severe for high-risk individuals, including:

  • Very young children
  • Older adults
  • Anyone with chronic health problems

For premature babies, infants 6 months or younger and children with weakened immune symptoms, RSV infection can lead to severe illness including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Symptoms of RSV in infants, younger than 6 months old, may include:

  • A lack of hunger and activity
  • Irritability
  • Breathing problems

RSV symptoms can be very similar to other contagious respiratory viruses. An RSV infection can often look very similar to a common cold, in particular. RSV infection can come in stages, so be on the lookout if symptoms worsen. This is a sign that you should contact a health care provider.

The virus is highly contagious and can spread in a variety of ways, including:

  • Droplets from a sneeze or cough of an infected person coming into contact with your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Touching a surface (like a counter) that is contaminated with the virus
  • Making direct contact with the virus (such as kissing a loved one who has RSV)

Thankfully, there are very important measures you can take to minimize the spread of RSV.

You can avoid spreading RSV if you:

  • Practice proper hand hygiene and wash your hands regularly.
  • Stay home when you have symptoms and avoid close contact with others if either of you are infected.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes and dispose of used tissues right away.
  • Disinfect hard surfaces that are used often, especially if they have been touched by someone who's feeling sick.
  • Avoid touching your face.

Similar to many other respiratory viruses, there is no specific treatment for managing the symptoms of an RSV infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) fever and pain medication may be suitable for mild symptoms, but make sure to confirm that the product is safe for kids before giving it your child. Your child’s doctor can help identify safe medications and dosage. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

If symptoms start to worsen, your child’s healthcare provider can discuss the appropriate treatment. Children, especially young infants, may need to be hospitalized while they receive oxygen support and/or intravenous fluids to stay hydrated.

Symptoms of RSV usually go away after one to two weeks. Researchers are currently working on new medications and vaccines to aid in the fight against the virus.

SYNAGIS is a humanized monoclonal antibody that can help prevent hospitalization for children who are at high risk for severe RSV symptoms.

These monthly injections provide key antibodies that fight infection for at-risk groups, such as former premature infants and babies with certain lung and heart conditions.

Contact your child’s physician if you would like to learn more about SYNAGIS as a possible prevention method.

If you or your child are experiencing any RSV or cold-like symptoms:

  • Stay home from school or call in sick from work until you recover.
  • Social distance and avoid close contact with others.
  • Place extra emphasis on all of the prevention tips above.
  • Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

You should contact your child’s doctor immediately if you see any signs of the following severe symptoms:

  • Wheezing, rapid breathing, nostril flaring or the head bobbing while breathing (These may be signs of bronchiolitis.)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A major decline in activity
  • Dehydration
  • Lips, skin or tongue turning blue or gray

At The Forefront: RSV, COVID and other respiratory illnesses

Respiratory viruses are surging throughout the area and parents are rightfully worried. Pediatric experts Barrett Fromme, MD, and Allison H. Bartlett, MD, MS, share how you can protect your children and what you need to do if they do get sick.

Image of Dr. Fromme and Dr. Bartlett during an At The Forefront on RSV, COVID and other respiratory viruses
Watch Video

Find a Pediatrician in Chicago and South Suburbs