RSV in infants – Common signs and management options

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common virus that affects the respiratory system of babies, young children, and adults by triggering infection. In infants, RSV is often associated with pneumonia and bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs). Generally, an infection due to RSV causes mild warning signs similar to the common cold. But sometimes, the RSV symptoms can be quite severe and cause complications, especially in children under five years.
Signs of RSV in infants
RSV signs usually manifest after around two to five days of contact with the virus. Initially, the warning signs of RSV in infants are quite mild. Often, it seems like the baby has a common cold. But as the infection moves to the lungs, it triggers coughing and wheezing. In some infants, the infection may cause severe respiratory disease that requires urgent care at the hospital. This usually happens in the case of babies born premature or those with preexisting or congenital conditions related to the lungs, heart, or immune system.
In general, these are some common signs of RSV in infants:
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Apnea or short periods without breathing
- Difficulty swallowing, drinking, or eating
- Wheezing
- Flaring of the nostrils
- Straining of the stomach or chest while breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Breathing quicker than usual
- The skin around the fingertips and lip begin to turn blue
Ways to manage RSV warning signs in infants
Along with treatment options recommended by a pediatrician, certain other management methods can help relieve discomfort caused by the infection.
1. Keep up the intake of fluids
With airways blocked, infants find it difficult to feed as usual. Because of the discomfort caused by the congestion, many infants don’t show interest in drinking and feeding. As a result, they become easily dehydrated, worsening RSV symptoms. So, it is important to help infants stay hydrated as much as possible by ensuring they drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
2. Make use of suction to clear a stuffy nose
Devices and tools such as nasal aspirators and snot suckers can be used to ease the congestion in infants and toddlers. When some mucus is cleared out of the nasal passage, it can help the baby feed more readily.
3. Use humidifiers and saline sprays
Saline sprays help break up thick mucus, while cool mist humidifiers help keep the airways moist. Both of these make it easier for infants to breathe and alleviate the discomfort caused by RSV.