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EVERYONE GETS a cold. We are all
familiar with the cough or sneeze, the
runny nose, the congestion.
But sometimes it isn’t really the
standard, run-of-the-mill cold.
Sometimes it is actually respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV). For most of
us, knowing the difference is of little
consequence. RSV just runs its course
like a cold.
But for a child less than 6 months
old, born prematurely or with a health
condition that affects the lungs, heart or
immune system, the impact of RSV can
be much greater.
“RSV can develop into bronchiolitis,
which is an infection of the
small breathing tubes in the
lungs, or pneumonia,” said
Kadlec Clinic pediatrician
Aaron Richardson, DO.
“If it does, it can become
very serious, even requiring
hospitalization.”
RSV is most common
between October and March.
During those months,
Kadlec’s Don & Lori Watts
Pediatric Center has as many
as half of its beds occupied
with babies with RSV or flu,
according to Kadlec pediatric hospitalist
KevinMarsh, MD. RSV is the leading
cause of infant hospitalization for
bronchiolitis in the United States.
“We will hospitalize babies when they
are having a hard time breathing, they are
very young, or their oxygen levels drop
below 92 percent,” said Dr. Marsh.
Although no medications are used to
treat the virus itself, if a baby requires
hospitalization, the care
may involve treating the
effects of the virus on the
respiratory system including
providing supplemental oxygen
and intravenous fluids to prevent
dehydration, said Dr. Marsh.
When to seek medical help
Not all babies who get RSV require
medical care. For many, the disease may
present itself as a bad cold. For others,
medical care is important.
“Most parents are able to treat RSV
at home with the use of saline nose
drops and gently suctioning the nose,
particularly before feeding,” said
Dr. Richardson. “Babies are obligate
nose-breathers, so if their nose is
congested, it impacts their
breathing and their eating.”
Call your baby’s health
care provider right away if
your baby:
●●
Develops fast breathing or
breathing problems
●●
Wheezes (makes a whistling
sound when exhaling)
●●
Develops a worsening cough
●●
Looks blue on the lips or
around the fingertips
●●
Has difficulty sucking and swallowing
●●
Develops any fever of more than
100.4° F in the first three months of life,
101° F or greater between three and six
months or 103° F after six months of age
“If at any time a parent has a concern
about their baby’s health, we are happy
to see and evaluate the baby,” said
Dr. Richardson. “If you are concerned,
we are concerned.”
More than
just
a cold
Prevent the spread
RSV is highly contagious, and almost
all children are infected with the virus
by their second birthday. RSV can
rapidly be transmitted to other members
of a family, including babies.
“RSV sticks to things and can survive
on hard surfaces for many hours, so if
someone comes into contact with those
droplets on a counter or door knob, they
can pick it up,” said Dr. Marsh.
You can help protect a baby from
RSV by:
●●
Keeping the baby away from people
who are sneezing or coughing
●●
Making sure everyone who touches the
baby has clean hands
●●
Wash hard surfaces with soap and
water frequently
●●
Avoid sharing cups or eating utensils
●●
Not allowing anyone to smoke near
your baby
Dr. Richardson can be reached by
calling
(509) 942-DOCS (3627)
.
www.kadlec.org
3
Aaron
Richardson, DO
pediatrician
Kevin Marsh, MD
pediatric hospitalist