RSV Treatment in Infants

Respiratory Synctival Virus is one most common respiratory ailments that infants face. The symptoms of RSV can be similar to the common cold such as a stuffy and runny nose, mild fever and irritability.

Causes of RSV

• Some of the possible causes of RSV transmission include premature birth, lack of breastfeeding, exposure to smoking and being born during RSV peak season (October to April).

Time Frame

• Babies are usually treated at home and get better within 3 to 5 days of initially showing symptoms.

Treatment

• Oxygen may have to be given to the infant in the event of more severe symptoms. Albuterol may also be given to clear up passageways. The medicine must first be changed from liquid to mist form by way of a nebulizer, and then the infant can breathe the medicine in.

Changes to Make

• An infant diagnosed with RSV should get a lot of fluids as well as stay in a stabilized environment, by not having the infant in very warm conditions one minute and cold weather the next. Ideally, try to keep the infant in the same climate for the duration of the illness.

Prevention

• Breastfeeding helps to protect against RSV, as the mother passes immunity along to the child. Make sure people wash their hands before picking up the child. A vaccine for RSV is available as well.