Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children, especially in infants and young children. Severe RSV infection can lead to serious problems, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and even death, in some cases.

Risk factors for severe RSV infection include:

Premature birth
A weak immune system due to health conditions such as HIV, cancer, or organ transplants
A history of asthma or other respiratory diseases
Exposure to secondhand smoke
Living in overcrowded or unsanitary conditions

Severe RSV infection can be difficult to distinguish from other respiratory illnesses and may require more intensive medical care. Symptoms of severe RSV infection will vary depending on the age of the child, but typically include:

Severe coughing or trouble breathing
Labored or rapid breathing
Tiredness, sluggishness, or lack of appetite
Fever, nasal congestion, and a cough that produces thick mucus
Bluish skin color around the lips, fingertips, or toes
Wheezing

It is important to seek medical attention if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms. Your doctor may try to determine the cause by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, checking your child's oxygen level, and collecting data from pulmonary (lung) function tests. Treatment will depend on the severity of your child's symptoms, but may include supportive measures, such as humidified oxygen, intravenous (IV) fluids, and medications to reduce fever, as well as antiviral drugs or antibiotics if necessary.

It is also important to take steps to reduce your child's exposure to RSV risk factors. These steps include washing your hands regularly, avoiding contact with people who are ill, avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, and avoiding overcrowded or unsanitary conditions. Vaccines for RSV are not currently available, but may be developed in the future.