10 RSV Symptoms in Babies

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'RSV in Infants and Young Children.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Dec. 2020, www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html.
• 2. 'Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098.
• 3. 'Signs and Symptoms of RSV.' University of Utah Health, healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php'shows=0/kdh1wa0c#:~:text=Symptoms of RSV are usually,coughing, sore, scratchy throat.
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Babies have fragile immune systems, and getting sick is part of how they get stronger. Most children will have Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) at least once by the time they turn two.²‘Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098. RSV is usually a mild illness, but in rare cases, it can be dangerous. Premature, very young or already unhealthy babies can be particularly vulnerable.

Adults infected with RSV sometimes show no symptoms at all, but luckily, babies almost always present with symptoms. By watching an infant for these signs, parents and doctors can monitor RSV and make sure the baby recovers safely.²‘Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353098.

1. Runny Noses

Runny noses aren't uncommon for babies, but a runny nose caused by RSV will have far more mucus than usual. A pediatrician may use samples of the mucus to test for RSV. Using a bulb sucker to clear the baby's nose is an important task that can help them breathe more easily. A cool-mist humidifier can also be beneficial.³‘Signs and Symptoms of RSV.’ University of Utah Health, healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php’shows=0/kdh1wa0c#:~:text=Symptoms of RSV are usually,coughing, sore, scratchy throat.

An RSV infection usually starts off mild, with symptoms getting worse over the next few days. Catching and monitoring early symptoms can help parents and doctors know when a baby needs more help.¹‘RSV in Infants and Young Children.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Dec. 2020, www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html.