How to Fight the Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Respiratory syncytial virus is a respiratory illness that can be caught through respiratory secretions such as coughing or sneezing. RSV is a highly contagious virus that can survive on inanimate objects that include toys, for several hours. The illness is common amongst young children, though older adults are susceptible to catching the virus. While the virus causes symptoms similar to the cold in adults, the virus can cause complications in premature babies or infants with health issues.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Antibiotics
• Soup
• IV fluids
• Electrolyte fluids
• Saline nasal drops
• Tylenol
• Bulb syringe
• Thermometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Take antibiotics when necessary.

  Receive antibiotics if you develop a complication as a result of RSV. Though RSV is a virus, a RSV illness can result in bacterial infections such as bacterial pneumonia; which will require antibiotics to help you get better.

• 2

  Use a thermometer to monitor for fever.

  Monitor your fever. Use tylenol to help alleviate pain. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, never use tylenol for low-grade fevers of 100.9 degrees Fahrenheit or less.

• 3

  Hydration is important.

  Keep hydrated. Drink electrolyte fluids to keep you hydrated. Drinking warm liquids from soups can hep loosen bronchial secretions, and ice pops can keep your child cooled down if she's suffering from RSV.

• 4

  Use saline drops to relieve nasal congestion.

  Use saline nasal drops to help clear out mucus from your nostrils. In infants, use only a few drops for each nostril and suction out the mucus with a bulb syringe.

• 5

  Use a humidifier in your child's room.

  Use a humidifier to keep your air moist. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, routine cleaning of your humidifier is important to combat against the development of mold and bacterial growth.

• 6

  Clean any items that come into contact with a sick person.

  Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of RSV to others. Disinfect all countertops or toys that come into contact with a sick individual.