Understanding RSV

What is RSV?
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. RSV is a very common virus that usually causes a cold with runny nose, sore throat, and/or fever. RSV can also cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in a small number of children, leading to severe breathing problems. Most children have mild symptoms and require no treatment. Most RSV infections occur between November and April when the virus is common in the community.

Who gets RSV?
Nearly all children have been infected with RSV by the time they are two years old. The majority of children are less than six months of age when they become infected. While most children get cold symptoms there are children who are more likely to develop severe RSV infections:

• premature infants under 6 months of age
• children with chronic lung or heart disease
• children with immune deficiencies

How is the virus spread?
When someone sneezes or coughs, the virus spreads in droplets in the air. It also spreads by touching surfaces that RSV-infected respiratory secretions are on and then touching one's own eyes or nose.

The virus stays alive on skin for as long as 8 hours, on counter tops or door handles for up to 6 hours and on Kleenex^TM for about 30 minutes. It takes 3 to 7 days from exposure to the first signs of illness.

What is the treatment for RSV?
Most children who develop the mild cold-like symptoms need no treatment other than medicines to relieve symptoms. However, it can be more serious:

• 90,000 children are hospitalized each year with RSV
• Some premature infants or children with lung conditions who become infected with RSV, need to be hospitalized

What increases my child's risk factors?
Most children who develop the mild cold-like symptoms need no treatment other than medicines to relieve symptoms. However, it can be more serious:

• Attending a daycare with more than 6 children
• Having older siblings either in daycare or school
• Smoking in the home or car
• Multiple births
• Prematurity

Understanding RSV (cont.)

How will I know my child has RSV?

• Your child will develop symptoms that can include fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, or an earache.
• After several days, a more serious lung infection may develop.
• New symptoms include increased breathing effort, faster breathing, apnea (long pauses without breathing) or wheezing.
• Infants may have difficulty feeding and/or vomit.
• Your child may be cranky.
• If your child has these more serious symptoms, he needs to be seen by the doctor right away.

If my baby has RSV, when can she go back to daycare?

Once your child is feeling better (eating, playing, and sleeping normal) she can go ahead and return to childcare. Most people including babies and children are most likely to spread the RSV germs before they have symptoms or even know they are sick. Your baby/child is not likely to spread germs now more than any other child. RSV is everywhere, so exposure can happen anywhere.

How can I keep my child from getting RSV?

• Keep your child away from other children with cold symptoms.
• Avoid activities that involve crowds, close contact with other children or anyone with respiratory symptoms, e.g. runny nose or cough.
• Hand washing is the best way to stop the spread of RSV.
• Encourage hand washing by all family members and anyone else before touching your baby.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Quickly throw away used tissue, and wash your hands.
• Discourage sharing of cups in the family during the viral season.
• Each week clean all toys and bedding your baby uses.

This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Children’s Hospital. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s health care provider.

Your primary care provider Childrens Resource Line: (206) 987-2500 or 1-866-987-2500 (toll-free Washington, Alaska, Montana, Idaho)