A runny nose and cough can be signs of infection respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. This virus has the potential to be serious if it attacks babies, mothers.
In fact, RSV is actually a common type of virus, so almost all adults and children can get it. This viral infection usually lasts for one or two weeks in babies.
Although this virus usually goes away without major problems, RSV can be more serious, especially in babies and children. Recognizing the causes and symptoms is very important for parents so that children can be treated appropriately.
What is RSV in babies?
RSV is a contagious virus that spreads like the common cold. Quoted from What to Expect, almost every child can get RSV by the age of 2 years. In most cases in babies, the disease is mild and symptoms last for about 1 to 2 weeks.
However, some babies may have a higher risk of developing severe RSV, such as babies born prematurely, babies whose lungs have not yet developed, and babies born with heart disease, lung problems, or immune deficiencies. Severe cases of RSV can also occur, even if the baby does not have a chronic health condition that makes them more vulnerable, Mother.
In general, RSV infection can progress from mild to severe. This disease can also cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis, which is an infection that causes small branches in the lungs to swell, making breathing more difficult.
Signs and symptoms of RSV in infants
Often, babies with RSV have mild, cold-like symptoms that tend to peak on the 3rd to 5th day after illness. RSV symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 days after contracting the virus.
Common symptoms of RSV in babies include:
- Have a cold
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Sneeze
- Be more fussy
Babies younger than 6 months may show different symptoms of RSV infection, including:
- Not as active as usual
- Loss of appetite
- Apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep)
According to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), more serious symptoms of RSV (and complications such as bronchiolitis) can include:
- Shortness of breath or appearing to have difficulty breathing
- A lot
- Rapid breathing
- Nostrils flare, head bobs when breathing
- Abdominal breathing occurs, pulling between the ribs and/or at the bottom of the neck
- Snorting while breathing
- Dehydration
A child who has RSV can shed the virus for at least 3 to 8 days before showing symptoms.
How can babies get RSV?
RSV infection can spread from the air through coughing or sneezing, which babies are susceptible to. RSV can also survive on the surface of objects for up to 6 hours, so it is easy to spread, Mother.
Children can catch RSV by touching an infected playmate’s hand and then putting their hand in their mouth, eyes, or nose. Babies are also susceptible to contracting RSV if other people cough or sneeze nearby, and touch their hands or face after holding other objects that have been exposed to the virus.
Babies most at risk of severe RSV infection include:
- Low birth weight or premature babies (especially those born before the 29th week)
- Babies with chronic lung disease
- Babies who have certain types of heart defects
- Babies with weak immune systems
- Babies who are 3 months old or younger at the start of the RSV season
Treatment of RSV in infants
So far, there is no specific treatment for babies infected with RSV, including newborns. However, there are still ways to treat symptoms at home, as is done with the flu.
Here are several ways to help your little one feel better if they experience cold and cough symptoms:
1. Keep your child hydrated
Babies may not want to breastfeed when they are sick, but their bodies need lots of fluids. If the baby does not want to breastfeed, then the mother can give him expressed breast milk in a bottle or cup. Never stop giving breast milk to a child when sick because this is the most effective medicine, especially for babies under 6 months.
2. Use a humidifier
A humidifier will help break up mucus and relieve nasal congestion, thereby helping your child breathe more easily. Mothers can place a humidifier in their child’s room or playroom.
When a child is infected with RSV, mothers should not give medicine carelessly or without a doctor’s prescription, especially if the baby is under 2 months old.
Illustration of a Baby Crying because of Pain/ Photo: iStock
When should you seek medical care for a baby with RSV?
If your baby was born prematurely, has a history of congenital heart disease, or has other problems that increase the risk of complications, you can immediately contact a doctor if you see serious cold symptoms such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Have a cold
- Cough
- Looks fast when breathing
While cold symptoms may not be a worry for babies who are not at high risk of RSV complications, more severe symptoms may require immediate medical attention, such as:
- High fever (especially in babies less than 3 months old)
- Breathing is labored, rapid or accompanied by a lot of wheezing, flaring of the nostrils and/or rhythmic grunting when breathing
- The color of the skin, tongue or lips is grayish or bluish
- The cough is mucous and getting worse
- The baby looks lethargic
Can RSV in babies be prevented?
Currently, maintaining cleanliness is one of the best steps to prevent RSV infection, including in babies. The following habits can be implemented to prevent RSV in babies:
1. Wash your hands regularly
Make sure all family members wash their hands regularly with soap and water, rubbing for at least 20 seconds. Washing your hands is mandatory if you want to touch your little one, including breastfeeding and making food for him.
2. Flu vaccine
Influenza or flu vaccines can be given early to children, which can start from the age of 6 months. The first dose is given 2 times with an interval of 1 month. Mothers can get a flu vaccine for this child at a health facility.
3. Do not smoke
Protect your little one from exposure to cigarettes to prevent health problems. A smoker also has a greater risk of developing respiratory tract infections which can then be transmitted to young children.
4. Keep clean
Always have disinfectant wipes around your baby, Mom. Don’t forget to regularly clean the fixtures and fittings at home, such as bathroom tables, taps, door handles and cellphones. Mothers also need to sanitize toys, pacifiers and items that are often touched by babies.
This is an explanation of the RSV respiratory virus which can infect babies. Hopefully this information is useful.
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2023-12-28 11:35:41
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