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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infection that may not sound serious until you see the numbers: The CDC estimates that 58,000–80,000 children under five years old are hospitalized due to RSV each year.
The good news? You can take proactive steps to effectively protect your child from severe illness. This approach involves recognizing early signs of RSV in newborns, preemies, or young children before critical symptoms start to show up.
Understanding the warning signs may seem like a no-brainer, but because many of the symptoms of this virus resemble those of the common cold, many parents get caught off guard. Before you know it, your child may develop serious complications, such as labored breathing, high fever, or a bluish skin color.
Be part of Fresno’s growing number of alert parents, thwarting RSV at every turn. Learn about the risks, distinct indicators, and treatment options for RSV, especially during the winter when it peaks.
When the respiratory syncytial virus infects a child, it targets the nose, throat, and lungs, causing inflammation and excessive mucus production. This infection can cause the following:
RSV can also cause dehydration, as children may struggle to drink fluids due to congestion or difficulty breathing. The respiratory distress caused by RSV can be especially dangerous for newborns, preemies, and children with underlying lung or heart conditions.
Our pediatricians at the Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno are always ready to address some common parent questions about RSV, such as:
1. How can RSV spread through direct contact?
RSV spreads when a child or adult touches their face after coming into contact with a contaminated surface or an infected person.
2. Can RSV spread through the air?
Yes, RSV can spread through respiratory droplets. When someone with RSV coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets into the air, which can be inhaled by others nearby.
3. How long can RSV survive on surfaces?
RSV can survive for several hours on surfaces like tables, toys, doorknobs, and countertops, making surface contamination one of the easiest ways the virus can spread.
4. Does close contact increase the risk of spreading RSV?
Yes, especially in daycare settings where young children frequently engage in close contact, such as holding, playing together, or sharing food and drinks.
Concerned about your child’s symptoms? Schedule a telemedicine or sick visit to screen for RSV lung infection and receive tailored medical advice.
Spotting early RSV symptoms and managing them at home can help most children recover smoothly. Remember the common symptoms in children, which include coughing, wheezing or breathing problems, and fever.
More severe symptoms in infants and young children include:
Infants and young children still have developing immune systems and smaller airways, which puts them at higher risk for RSV. The children at the greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include Native American and Alaska Native children, children born prematurely, and children with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
Other groups at risk include children struggling with swallowing or clearing mucus and those with:
A study involving Tennessee residents hospitalized with RSV between 2016 and 2023 shows that hospitalization rates were significantly higher among Black and Hispanic residents.
Notably, the incidence rate of RSV hospitalizations among Hispanic people increased to 2.6 times than that of non-Hispanic individuals during 2020–2023, up from 1.3 times in 2016–2020.
To help address such disparities in RSV care, we offer convenient telemedicine services to parents and families in need, in addition to our newborn and broad pediatric services.
At-home care for mild RSV focuses on relieving discomfort and managing its symptoms:
Stay in touch with your pediatrician if symptoms change or worsen. For customized RSV advice, call (559) 455-1500.
When Hospitalization May Be Necessary
Newborns, preemies, or those with lung or heart conditions may experience severe symptoms that require constant monitoring. In a hospital setting, the medical staff will watch for signs of breathing difficulty, lack of oxygen, and dehydration. Your child may need oxygen therapy, IV fluids, or, in some cases, mechanical ventilation to help with their breathing.
When to Consider Immunization
Immunization can reduce the likelihood of severe RSV infections and complications. Consider getting yourself immunized if you are pregnant and want to protect your newborn or if your child:
Newborns, preemies, and toddlers are yet to develop a robust immune system, making them vulnerable to RSV infection, the symptoms of which can progress into wheezing, difficulty breathing, and dehydration.
As your child’s first layer of protection, you must learn to recognize the early symptoms, provide informed at-home care, and know when to seek medical attention. Always remember that proactive intervention allows for timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications.
Concerned about RSV symptoms? Contact (559) 455-1500 and speak with our specialists at Children’s Medical Centers of Fresno today. We offer:
Don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment!
