Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common cold to most older children and adults.  But to an infant, it can cause respiratory distress and pneumonia.  Mild cases of RSV may be treated at home, but many infants are hospitalized while infected with this virus.  It may also cause your child to develop asthma later in life.

RSV is common in the winter and spring months when the cold and flu season is at it's peak.  It often occurs in infants greater than four weeks of age, or in babies who were born prematurely or with chronic lung conditions.  RSV can be a serious illness for your infant.  If your pediatrician suspects your baby may have RSV, you will probably be escorted to a room away from other patients to prevent further spreading. If your baby has a serious case of RSV, you will most likely be asked to take your little one to the hospital.

Symptoms of RSV include runny nose, wheezing, sleep apnia, poor feeding, rapid breathing and coughing.  If your baby has any of these symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately.  During a hospital stay for RSV, your baby will be treated with supportive care, as antibiotics are not used to fight a virus.  However, if your baby has developed pneumonia, antibiotics will be used.  Your baby may receive supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration and possibly tube feedings if your baby is unable to eat.  Bronchodilator medications may also be used to open your baby's airway.

RSV is spread from contaminated hands, objects, surfaces and mouths.  Always wash your hands before touching the baby.  Instruct family members and friends to do this as well.  Children or adults with colds should not be allowed near a newborn baby until their symptoms have cleared.  What may be a simple cough and runny nose to us can be something far more serious in your infant.