Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very common virus that typically causes a mild infection in the lungs and respiratory tract. For adults and older healthy children, the virus presents as a simple cold, and self-management along with a little TLC is more than enough to recover.
Although RSV almost always is no more serious than a common cold, in a few cases it can cause severe illness, especially for high risk infants and toddlers such as those who are asthmatic, born prematurely, or have chronic lung diseases. Fortunately there are a few tips we can share about how to prevent RSV infections.
While scientists and researchers are working on it, currently there are no approved vaccinations to prevent RSV. There are precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that you should follow, especially if your infant or toddler was born prematurely, has a chronic lung illness, or a compromised immune system:
When RSV cases present mild symptoms similar to a cold, the best remedies are to manage the fevers. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms arise:
If any of the symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention.
Remember, your family doctor and your health plans are great resources for questions and concerns that you have regarding RSV and other healthcare topics that matter to you and your family.
Sources:
What to Know About the Unusual RSV Outbreak
RSV in Infants and Young Children