RSV Season: Keeping Infants Safe
The start of the cooler seasons brings the onset of cold, flu, and other illness outbreaks. One outbreak, in particular, poses a significant threat to infants. Though RSV can appear as a common or mild cold, it can be dangerous to infants and older adults. This cold and flu season, learn about the symptoms of RSV, and what you can do to decrease the spread of this virus.
What is RSV?
RSV stands for Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus. It affects the respiratory system of the body causing inflammation and sometimes infections in the lungs. Though most recover from RSV fairly quickly, it can cause more serious complications, such as pneumonia, in those with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of RSV
According to the CDC, Symptoms of RSV tend to show up around 4-6 days after being infected. Symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fever
When these symptoms appear, you can take measures to relieve them such as regulating the fever with medication, cool compresses, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting rest.
The Spread
During the Covid outbreak, we were made more aware of the way infectious diseases and viruses can spread throughout our community. In the same way Covid is spread, we can also spread RSV. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes if you come in contact with virus droplets, or if you come in direct contact with someone who has the virus.
You will often hear new moms request to never kiss their baby, whether it be on their lips, face, hands, or feet. Because you can be infectious before you show symptoms, it is best to avoid contact with new babies.
Stop the Spread of RSV
In order to avoid catching and spreading RSV, you can take a few precautions. Taking these measures is also a great way to try and avoid the common cold, flu, and Covid.
- Wash hands frequently
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue or your elbow
- Avoid close contact such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing drinks.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices.
If you are concerned that your child may have been infected with RSV, reach out to your healthcare provider. If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing and persistent fever, you may need to visit the Drewry Family Emergency Center
Disclaimer
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.