Being the parent or caregiver for young children can be so rewarding, but it also can be overwhelming trying to protect them from injury or illness! It can feel especially hard during the cold and flu season.

In addition to colds, the flu and strep throat, a virus that all parents need to be on the lookout for is respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. While anyone can get RSV, it is especially dangerous to infants and younger children.

We want your precious babies to stay safe this season, so read on as our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team shares the details about RSV.

Why Is RSV Dangerous to an Infant?

RSV is a respiratory virus, meaning it settles into the upper respiratory tract and breathing passages. Once you are infected, your body reacts with irritation and inflammation in those areas as it fights to overcome the illness.

In most adults, RSV just causes minor cold symptoms and recovery happens within a week or so. This is not the case for small children! The respiratory systems and breathing passages in infants are so tiny that any sort of inflammation can cause serious breathing problems. It can cause issues with oxygen levels as well as cut off your infant’s ability to take a deep breath.

Signs of a Worsening RSV Infection

• Flaring nostrils while breathing
• Belly breathing
• Wheezing or coughing
• Fever that won’t go away

What Happens When RSV Gets Worse?

It is important to remember that just because your baby gets RSV, it doesn’t mean that he or she will get seriously sick! Many babies fare just fine and recover within a week to ten days.

However, if you start to notice any type of respiratory distress, like chest contractions, blue or gray-colored skin or shallow, panicked breathing, this is a medical emergency situation and needs to be treated as such. You know your baby best, so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you notice something is not quite right.

Avoid RSV Altogether This Year

• Don’t kiss your baby while you are sick.
• Wash your hands.
• Don’t let others kiss your baby.
• Cover your sneeze or cough.

Wondering whether your child’s symptoms are RSV-related? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Greenwood today for a diagnosis.