Respiratory Syncytial Virus

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus (RSV) is a germ that causes an infection in the airways (tubes) of the lungs. It can cause lung problems such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV infection is most common in fall, winter, and early spring. It is most common in children under two years old.
  
  
• Children over two years old and adults can also get RSV, but the infection is usually not as serious. People can have RSV more than once in a lifetime. RSV can cause serious problems if a child is premature or has certain heart or lung problems. If a child's immune system is weak (unable to fight infections well), RSV can also cause serious medical problems.

What causes RSV? RSV is easily spread from person to person. RSV is usually passed from the nose or mouth of an infected person to another person. For example, a child can get the virus on his or her hands and then touch someone else. RSV can also live on objects such as tables, cribs, and toys.

What are the signs and symptoms of RSV?

• Early signs and symptoms:
  
  
  • Coughing.
    
    
  • Ear or eye drainage.
    
    
  • Higher than normal body temperature (fever).
    
    
  • Sneezing.
    
    
  • Stuffy nose.
    
    
  • Wheezing (a high-pitched noise heard when your child breathes out).
  
  
• Severe signs and symptoms:
  
  
  • Fast, labored (difficult) breathing.
    
    
  • Increased coughing.
    
    
  • Increased fussiness or irritability.
    
    
  • Increased wheezing.
    
    
  • Lips and nails may be bluish in color.
    
    
  • Nostrils (openings of your child's nose) may open more than normal in order to get more air.
    
    
  • New or worsening retractions (pulling in of the skin between the ribs and around the neck with each breath).
    
    
  • Very sleepy, and does not respond to you.

What may be done to treat RSV?

• Most children can be treated at home. If the infection is severe, your child may need to stay in the hospital. Trouble breathing, dehydration (loss of body fluids), high fever, and the need for oxygen or medicines are reasons to stay in the hospital. Since RSV is a virus, antibiotic medicine will not work to treat RSV. Medicine can be given to decrease a fever. Antiviral medicine may be used to treat some children.
  
  
• Your child may need more liquids to decrease the risk of dehydration. If your child is having trouble eating or drinking, an IV may be needed to give the liquids. Oxygen and breathing medicine can also decrease problems your child may have with breathing.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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