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Could your baby have RSV and should you take them to the ER?

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center - January 09, 2024

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, as many as 80,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This virus is highly contagious and is particularly effective at causing a number of respiratory infections in infants 6 months old and younger.

If not caught early, RSV can lead to the common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia, croup or bronchiolitis, potentially requiring hospitalization. While most of those hospitalized are discharged in a few days, many will require some form of breathing assistance during their stay.

Symptoms and treatment of RSV

Most children will have had RSV by the time they turn 2. Similar to a cold, RSV symptoms may include:

  • Coughing
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Wheezing

In infants less than 6 months old, symptoms may include irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite and breathing issues.

RSV typically clears up on its own after a week or two. To help relieve mild symptoms, you can give your baby over-the-counter pain and fever medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. However, since some medications are not recommended for children, talk to your pediatrician before using any nonprescription cold medicines.

When to go to the ER

Immediately call 911 or head to EIRMC's pediatric ER if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms:

  • Dehydration (decrease in wet diapers)
  • Difficult, labored, shallow or rapid breathing
  • High fever
  • Lethargy
  • Skin turning blue (especially lips and fingernails)
  • Unresponsiveness

If you are unsure as to whether your baby has RSV, always err on the side of caution and seek medical treatment.

EIRMC offers pediatric emergency care in an area of the ER separate from adults. This means children will have less exposure to the sights and sounds of an ER that can sometimes be scary. If your child needs emergency care, EIRMC stands ready to help. To learn more, visit eirmcKids.com.

Preventing RSV

According to the CDC, RSV can survive on softer surfaces (tissues, hands) for shorter amounts of time than on hard surfaces (tables, cribs).

Like a cold, RSV spreads through coughs and sneezes. You are susceptible to spread when you touch an infected surface or come in close contact with an infected person, such as kissing a child’s face. You can reduce the transmission of RSV by:

  • Avoiding close contact with sick people
  • Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands
  • Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • Covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze
  • Staying home when sick
  • Washing your hands often