Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages, and it is a major cause of respiratory illness in children. Here are some key points about RSV in children:
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Symptoms: RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, sneezing, and fever. In very young infants, the symptoms may include irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties. Severe RSV infection in infants can lead to short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, and irritability.
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Contagiousness: RSV can spread quickly through schools and childcare centers, and almost all children have had an RSV infection at least once by the time theyre 2 years old.
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Prevention: Currently, there is no traditional vaccine to prevent RSV infection in children, but there are vaccines that prevent respiratory viruses in older adults. Preventive options are available to protect infants and young children from severe RSV.
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Care: It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. Additionally, its recommended to talk to a healthcare provider before giving nonprescription cold medicines to children, as some medicines contain ingredients that are not suitable for them.
Its important to seek medical attention if a child has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds, as these could be signs of severe RSV infection.
