RSV: The Wintertime Respiratory Virus
by Dr. JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP
ou’ve heard about it, but what exactly is RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus)?
This nasty wintertime respiratory virus, that sometimes causes critical wheezing in our wee ones, appears each year at this time with a vengeance. It looks and sounds like a garden variety cold in older kids and adults, but has the potential to seriously threaten the health of a small baby or tot (especially a newborn, a preemie, or a child with an underlying health condition like heart or lung disease). Our local hospitals are beginning to fill with children affected by RSV and there are a few things you can do to prevent this winter bug.
How does RSV get transmitted?
Respiratory and contact spread - sneezing, mucus, touching contaminated people or surfaces.
How do I know if my child has RSV?
Initially a child of any age with RSV has cold-like symptoms with abundant nasal mucus. Older children and adults usually stop there. Fever is typical in younger children. Younger babies may then progress to a chesty cough, and you may hear some whistling on inspiration and expiration (wheeze). On occasion, a child with severe RSV can turn blue, breathe very fast, vomit from the force of the cough or just act very ill. Obviously these are triggers to see your child’s health care provider immediately.
Can RSV be prevented?
Yes, to some extent. Changing our wintertime behavior can prevent spread.
- If you have a "cold,” DO NOT visit any newborns, preemies, or toddlers.
- If you have a "cold," do not attend functions where there may be newborns, preemies or toddlers.
Wash your hands frequently during the winter - especially if those around you have colds! RSV can exist on hands for 30 minutes, and on surfaces for up to 2 hours. So if you work, go to school, or casually stroll in a market and touch a cart, you can get RSV.
- Don't share beverages, food, or kisses with those who have colds or if you have a cold yourself.
Is there treatment for RSV?
Treatment is supportive in general – lots of fluids, moist humidified air. If a child is droopy or achy from fever, your doctor may recommend fever medication. Cold medications serve no purpose and should be avoided. Wheezing children may be helped with inhaled medication, but only if recommended by your child’s health care provider.
If your baby was premature or has heart disease, talk to your pediatrician about having your infant take Respigam (a monthly dose of RSV immune globulin). Babies at high risk benefit from this preventive therapy, but there are strict criteria for its use.
About The AuthorDr. Levenstein was voted one of the Best Doctors in America (in Pediatrics) in 2004, 2005 and 2006. She owns her own practice in Encino, CA and is on the staff of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and Encino Tarzana Medical Center.
She is a sought-after speaker and sits on the advisory board of The Cradle, as well as several child-centered organizations. She is also president of MD Moms, makers of Baby Silk skin care.
