RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus is a common, contagious virus which infects kids’ respiratory rack before they celebrate their second birthday. For most young kids and babies, this infection causes nothing but a cold. However, a small percentage of young kids experience serious complications like bronchiolitis, which can be life-threatening. 

To make sure that your baby is in good health, research on the symptoms of common viruses like RSV. It would also help to prepare a baby emergency kit in case of an emergency. There are a lot of baby carriers, medicine and baby thermometers in Malaysia you can choose from. 

Chances of severe infection is greatest for:

  • Young children and babies whose immune systems are weakened by medical treatment or illness
  • Kids under 8 weeks to 10 weeks old
  • Infants born prematurely
  • Kids younger than 2 years old who were born with lung or heart disease

Symptoms

RSV infection may cause cold-like symptoms, like runny nose and cough, which typically last for 1 to 2 weeks.

Call your physician if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • Refuses to bottle-feed or breastfeed
  • Signs of dehydration–little to no urine for over 6 hours, dry, cool skin, and lack of tears
  • Trouble breathing
  • Cough producing green, yellow or gray mucus
  • Unusually inactive or upset

If your child is breathes rapidly very tired or has a blue tint to the fingernails or lips, get medical help immediately.

Prevention

  • Never let anyone smoke around your child.
  • Limit the time high-risk young kids and infants stay in day care, specifically from late fall to the early days of spring. This is when RSV is most common.
  • Wash your hands often, most especially after contact with an individual who is experiencing cold symptoms. 
  • Disinfect and clean hard surfaces.
  • Only allow people to touch your child after they washed their hands.
  • Don’t kiss your child if you have cold symptoms. 
  • Keep your child away from crowds.

RSV Treatments

  • Use fever-reducers, non-aspirin like as acetaminophen. Check the label and follow all directions carefully.
  • Eliminate sticky nasal fluids through a bulb syringe and saline drops
  • Keep the air moist using a cool-mist vaporizer, to make breathing a lot easier