How to Treat RSV in Infants

RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This virus is commonly found in infants and children under the age of two. RSV infects the lungs, as well as the infants' respiratory passages. Because the virus is so contagious, it is often spread through childcare centers. According to the website Kid's Health, RSV is seen between the late fall and early spring months.

If your infant presents with a mild case of RSV, you do not normally need to take any drastic actions. Monitor your infant to ensure the RSV doesn't get worse, or turn into pneumonia or bronchitis. Infants who have other health issues, however, should be under the care of a physician even if the RSV is mild.

Provide your toddler with extra fluids, as infants can become dehydrated quickly when ill with a virus. If your toddler does not want to drink, you can try popsicles or water ice. Sitting your infant in an upright position can also help make breathing easier.

It is also important to treat any symptoms your infant is exhibiting in order for him or her to be as comfortable as possible. Pain can be treated with acetaminophen made specifically for infants. Stuffy noses can be suctioned with a nasal aspirator or cleared out with saline nasal drops. Finally, cool-mist humidifiers can be used to loosen mucus in your infant's breathing passages.

Moderate cases of RSV may require steroids administered via a nebulizer. This will open up the respiratory tract so that the infant can breathe much easier. Only a doctor can prescribe medication for use in a nebulizer, so make an appointment with your pediatrician if you feel your infant has more than a mild case of RSV.

Immediate medical attention is needed if an infant presents with a severe case of RSV. This includes difficulty breathing, high fevers, wheezing and blue skin. A doctor or hospital may need to treat the RSV by administering an IV for fluids, or providing the infant with humidified oxygen. Infants have died from severe cases for RSV. Don't wait to get your infant help.

Note: Infants who are prone to contracting RSV can see a doctor once per month to obtain a shot that contains RSV antibodies.

Warnings:
-Antibiotics are powerless against RSV, since bacteria is not the cause of the infection.
-Do not take your infant around individual who are smoking. Cigarette smoke can increase the symptoms of RSV.
-Do not give an infant aspirin when he or she is sick. There is the risk of the infant contracting Reye Syndrome.

References:
Mayo Clinic: Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Kids Health: About RSV