What Are RSV Symptoms, The Best RSV Treatment & RSV Vaccine Info?

Doctor Moms go into high alert every year as cold and flu season rolls around. Lately RSV is another viral infection making its rounds and making moms nervous. While the term “RSV” might sound intimidating, the truth is that most kids WILL catch it, and for the majority, it will feel like just another cold. The key is knowing what to look for, understanding when RSV might become more serious, and learning a few simple ways to support your child’s recovery at home.

  1. What is RSV?
  2. Common RSV Symptoms
  3. When to Watch for Red Flags
  4. How to Support a Child with RSV
  5. Know The Facts About The RSV Vaccine for Baby and Mama
  6. Feel Empowered to Tackle RSV

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What is RSV?

RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. As the name suggests, it is a virus that infects the respiratory system. It’s highly contagious, spreading through coughs, sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces. What’s important to know is that most kids will have had RSV by the time they turn two years old, and in many cases, parents won’t even realize their child had it because the symptoms are mild and resemble a common cold.

Common RSV Symptoms

Here’s where things get tricky: RSV symptoms often look just like a cold. This means most kids with RSV will have:

  • A runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • A mild fever
  • Decreased appetite

The symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks and go away on their own without the need for special RSV treatment. In fact, there is no specific treatment to cure RSV. The treatments offered are to support symptom relief to keep little ones comfortable.

When to Watch for Red Flags

While most cases of RSV are mild, it’s important to know when RSV might be more serious. Certain kids, especially infants, premature babies, or those with underlying health issues, are more likely to develop complications from RSV, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Even if your child doesn’t have a high-risk condition, it’s still good to watch for the following red flags to know when to call your doctor:

  • Rapid or labored breathing: If your child is breathing faster than normal or struggling to catch their breath (signs include flaring nostrils, grunting, or belly breathing), this could be a sign that RSV has moved into the lungs.
  • Bluish skin, lips, or nails: This indicates that your child isn’t getting enough oxygen and needs medical attention immediately.
  • Severe cough: A persistent, worsening cough or one that leads to vomiting can be a sign of respiratory distress.
  • Lethargy or unresponsiveness: If your child is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake, it’s time to call the doctor.
  • Dehydration: Keep an eye on wet diapers and hydration. A dry mouth, lack of tears, or fewer wet diapers can be signs your child isn’t getting enough fluids.

Remember: In most cases, no special medical care is needed, and the virus runs its course on its own. It’s only when symptoms become severe or concerning that RSV tends to stand out and requires special medical care.

How to Support a Child with RSV

For moms who are worried about RSV, it’s reassuring to know that most kids will get RSV at some point, and for the majority, it will be nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Rest, fluids, and a few simple home remedies are often all that’s needed.

  1. Humidifiers
    A humidifier can help ease congestion and keep your child’s airways moist, making it easier for them to breathe. 
  2. Saline Drops and Suction
    For babies and younger children, saline nose drops followed by gentle suction can help clear out mucus and improve breathing.
  3. Nebulizer
    For older children, nebulizers can help break up mucous and soothe irritated respiratory tissue.
  4. Herbal Support
    Herbs like Elderberry and Echinacea can stimulate the immune system to respond effectively to the virus and decrease the severity and length of illness.
  5. Hydration
    Keeping your child hydrated is crucial, especially if they have a fever. Offer water, breast milk, formula, or broth-based soups to ensure they’re staying hydrated.

Know The Facts About The RSV Vaccine for Baby and Mama

For Baby:

The RSV vaccine for infants is actually not a vaccine at all! It’s a single injection of a long-acting monoclonal antibody treatment designed to protect against RSV without activating the child’s immune system because the antibodies do all the work. Studies show 83% effectiveness in preventing RSV-related hospitalization and 5% effectiveness in reducing very severe lower respiratory infections.

On the flip side, the treatment has a 2.1% risk of adverse reactions, with the most common being mild, such as rash (0.9%) and injection site reaction (0.3%). Rare, more serious reactions included drug-related fever, allergic dermatitis, and at least one case of severe infantile spasms. This treatment is so new, so no formal studies have been conducted on drug interactions, and limited data exist on co-administration with other vaccines.

For Mama:

The RSV vaccine for pregnant mothers is a single injection offered between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. Research suggests it is 48.2% effective at preventing RSV-related hospitalizations for lower respiratory tract infections. 

Side effects seem to be common with greater than 10% of those receiving the vaccine experiencing some sort of side effect. The most common complaints are injection site pain (40.6%), headache (31.0%), muscle pain (26.5%), and nausea (20.0%). Notably, there is a 15-20% increased risk of preterm birth and higher rates of hypertension disorders, including preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, associated with the vaccine.

Feel Empowered to Tackle RSV

RSV might sound intimidating, but the truth is, most kids will get RSV, and it will feel just like another cold. While it’s important to stay aware of the red flags for more serious cases, the majority of children will recover without any medical intervention.

As Doctor Moms, we can help our kids through RSV just like we would any other cold, with love, rest, and simple remedies to keep them comfortable. And remember, if symptoms become more severe, it’s always okay to reach out to your doctor for guidance.

RSV is just another bump in the road during cold and flu season, and usually, it’s nothing most moms haven’t already managed plenty of times before!