Does Your Child Have RSV? Here’s What You Can Do

If you have a young child at home, it’s likely they’ll catch respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) before their second birthday. So, when that time comes, it’s best to have a game plan.

Let’s put one together with the help of family physician Neha Vyas, MD, and pediatrician Kristin Barrett, MD.

At-home treatments for RSV

Let’s start with the bad news: There’s no magic pill or antibiotic that can knockout RSV. It’s a virus that needs to run its course. In most cases, RSV symptoms (like a runny nose and cough) may last for a week or two before going away.

But here are a few things you can do to help your little one’s recovery process and make them feel more comfortable along the way.

Let them rest

It’s often said that rest is the best medicine — and that prescription definitely applies to children with RSV.

A little downtime will help your child conserve energy to help their immune system fight off the virus, says Dr. Vyas. Keep them home from daycare or school and try to minimize their activities.

If your kid is tired and wants to catch some ZZZs, let them. “Prioritizing sleep will allow for a quicker recovery, so maintain a proper nap and bedtime schedule,” she notes.

Manage their congestion

RSV can gunk up your child’s airways as their immune system ramps up mucus production, says Dr. Barrett. All that congestion — especially in their nasal passageways — can make breathing more difficult.

The solution? “It’s all about secretion management,” she adds. (That’s the technical medical term for “snot removal.”)

For babies and younger children who haven’t yet mastered blowing their noses, that means sucking out the excess mucus. A nasal aspirator or other suction device can help you keep their congestion in check.

Nasal saline sprays can also help thin out mucus and loosen congestion to make breathing easier. Running a humidifier or a steamy shower or bath may help, too.

Keep them hydrated

Dehydration is a common complication of RSV, so it’s important to get fluids into your child, emphasizes Dr. Barrett.

Congestion may make it more difficult for infants to breastfeed (chestfeed) or drink from their bottle. If you notice them taking in less at their regular feedings, increase the number of times you offer breast milk or formula to try to maintain their overall fluid intake.

For older children, make sure they’re drinking enough water. Electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte®) can help them replenish minerals lost through perspiration and illness.

Soup or broth also are good ways to keep your kid hydrated, while also supplying needed nutrients.

Manage their fever

It’s important to keep an eye on your child’s temperature, emphasizes Dr. Vyas. “Temperatures above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) are concerning and should be brought to the attention of your healthcare professional.”

Over-the-counter medications with acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to reduce fevers in children aged 6 months or older. Talk to your pediatrician about what may be safe to use. DO NOT USE aspirin or cough and cold medication.

Maintaining a comfortable room temperature also may help ease symptoms in an overheating child. Cooling cloths or gel packs can bring relief, too. Ditto for a blanket if they start to shiver.

When to seek medical care for RSV

While most RSV cases resemble the common cold, the illness can become worse. Much, much worse. It sometimes leads to serious conditions such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia that make breathing a challenge.

Complications from RSV typically hospitalize 2% to 3% of babies younger than 6 months old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Younger children are more at risk, given respiratory systems that are still developing.)

Watch your child closely to gauge whether their RSV is taking a concerning turn. If they’re struggling to breathe or begin wheezing, get in to see your healthcare provider for an assessment.

“If you see them sucking in at their ribs while they breathe, or it looks like they're using their neck or shoulder muscles to take in a breath, that’s a sign they need medical attention urgently,” stresses Dr. Barrett.

Other warning signs include:

• Breathing that becomes fast or short (like panting).
• Skin that begins to look a little blue due to lack of oxygen. Color changes may be evident on their lips or around their eyes.
• Going more than eight hours without a wet diaper (or using the bathroom), which could indicate dehydration. An inability to make tears also may signal dehydration.

RSV symptoms often peak three to five days into the illness — but be aware that a child’s condition can change swiftly, too. There can be variations in how your child is doing hour to hour.

“If you’re concerned at all, it’s never the wrong answer to call your pediatrician or make an appointment,” she advises.