Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants. While it often presents with mild, cold-like symptoms, RSV can lead to serious health issues in newborns. Understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention are crucial for parents and caregivers.
What are common symptoms of RSV in newborns?
In the early stages, RSV symptoms may resemble those of a common cold. These can include:
- Runny nose: Clear nasal discharge that may become thicker over time.
- Decreased appetite: Eating or drinking less than usual.
- Coughing: Starting as a mild cough and potentially worsening.
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing episodes.
- Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
These symptoms typically appear 4 to 6 days after exposure to the virus.
When should I be worried? Severe symptoms require immediate attention
While many cases of RSV are mild, the infection can progress and cause more serious symptoms, especially in infants younger than six months. Watch for signs such as:
- Wheezing: A high-pitched sound heard during breathing.
- Rapid or troubled breathing: Breathing faster than normal or with visible effort.
- Retraction: Flaring nostrils and head bobbing with breathing. These are indicators of respiratory distress.
- Apnea: Pauses in breathing lasting more than 20 seconds.
- Cyanosis: Bluish color around the lips.
- Dehydration: Fewer wet diapers, dry mouth or crying without tears.
If your newborn exhibits any of these severe symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
How to prevent RSV in newborns
Preventing RSV involves minimizing exposure and practicing good hygiene. Here are some steps to help protect your infant:
- Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your baby.
- Avoiding sick contacts: Keep your newborn away from individuals showing signs of illness.
- Cleaning surfaces: Regularly disinfect surfaces and objects that your baby comes into contact with.
- Limiting exposure: Avoid crowded places during RSV season, typically from October to March.
- Breastfeeding: Provides essential antibodies that can help protect against infections.
- Vaccination: RSV is available for mothers and newborns. It can be given to mothers or to newborns at birth to eight months of age, depending on the season.
When to contact a healthcare provider
It’s important to monitor your newborn closely if they show signs of RSV. Contact your healthcare provider if your baby:
- Exhibits symptoms of RSV, especially if they are under six months old.
- Has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly.
- Shows signs of dehydration.
- Is unusually tired or irritable.
- For infants under 3 months old, a fever of over 100.4°F.
Early medical intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Learn more
While RSV is a common virus, it can pose significant risks to newborns. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding when to seek medical attention are vital steps in ensuring your baby’s health and well-being. By practicing preventive measures and staying informed, you can help protect your infant from the potential dangers of RSV.
While no one wants to envision their child in the hospital, no matter the age, parents can sleep soundly knowing a team of experts are close by. All of NGMC’s emergency departments have pediatric-trained doctors, nurses and support staff on-site 24/7. Three of those emergency departments were the first in Georgia to be accredited as Pediatric Readiness Centers by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Should patients need to be admitted for further observations, NGMC has a dedicated pediatric unit in Gainesville.