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RSV: What you need to know

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV, is a seasonal respiratory illness. While it usually causes mild illness, it can sometimes be serious and lead to emergency room visits and hospitalization. As a parent or parent-to-be, it helps to know what to look for, how to prevent it, and who is most likely to get sick. 

The basics of RSV

RSV is most common during October to April, which coincides with flu season. This can make it tough to tell which illness your child has, and your pediatric provider can order a nasal swab to test for both. Commonly, kids will have:

  • Runny nose
  • Decreased appetite
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Fast breathing
  • Tiredness or fatigue

The biggest worry with RSV is that it can make it hard for people to breathe. This video shows what to look for when it comes to RSV and breathing. Call your pediatric provider or seek emergent care if you notice any of these symptoms – even one. Babies under age one, children born prematurely, and any child with a high-risk condition are at greatest risk for complications. Older people are also at higher risk of hospitalization and complications from RSV. Encourage the grandparents and other older adults in your life to get vaccinated to protect the whole family.

What now?

If your child has been diagnosed with RSV, or it’s strongly suspected, try not to panic. Most children recover well and only need rest, hydration and maybe medication for fever. Keep a close eye out for severe symptoms and breathing difficulties, and alert your pediatric provider if your child is high-risk or having trouble eating or drinking. 

For young children and babies, it can be hard to eat and drink while sick with RSV. Signs of dehydration can be found here, but try to offer lots of fluids or water-rich foods, like fruit or popsicles, often throughout the day. Babies under age one don’t need additional water, just breastmilk and/or formula. Breastfed babies may want to breastfeed all day or find it tough to stay latched – both are common experiences. On the other end, it can be helpful to track wet diapers again in the Ovia Parenting app – even if it’s been a while! 

Because RSV spreads so easily, your child should not go back to daycare or preschool until their symptoms have resolved. Your family may also want to consider limiting contact with other high-risk family members, like grandparents.

Preventing RSV

Preventing RSV is similar to preventing other respiratory illnesses like the flu or Covid-19. Hand washing, masking and avoiding large indoor groups during RSV season can all help. Preventative treatment is approved for babies entering their first RSV season or high-risk children entering their second RSV season. 

In addition, there are currently two ways to protect your baby from the risk of getting RSV that you may want to consider. 

Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) for infants

  • The RSV antibody is available for babies and some young children to protect against severe RSV.
  • Recommended for infants under eight months of age born during RSV season or about to enter RSV season, especially those who are at an increased risk, such as infants:
    • Children born prematurely
    • Those with a severely compromised immune system
    • Children with cystic fibrosis
    • American Indian and Alaska Native children
  • If the birthing parent gives birth 14 or more days after being vaccinated against RSV, except in rare circumstances, most infants younger than 8 months of age do not need to receive the Nirsevimab vaccine.

RSV Vaccine (Pfizer ABRYSVO) for those who are pregnant and people over 60

  • An RSV maternal vaccine for the pregnant parent to pass on protection to their babies. 
  • Individuals in their third trimester, from September through January, should receive the vaccine, specifically during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy. 
  • Taking the vaccine will pass on valuable antibodies to your newborn baby. 
  • RSV Vaccine is also approved for people over 60. If you have close family members who may live with you or care for your children, discussing vaccination may be a good idea to help protect both the baby and family members.

It’s important to explore these options with your OB provider and family to determine what’s best for your baby. It’s a big step forward in protecting those most vulnerable to severe RSV infection and hospitalization.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources:

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