Infants and newborns are so precious with their tiny little feet and itty bitty hands. While you spend all that time cuddling and kissing your new addition to your family, it is important to remember that certain illnesses disproportionately affect infants just because of their small size.

RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, happens to be one of those illnesses. It is a respiratory infection that can make your little one really sick.

Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Dalton team explains more about RSV and why it can be so dangerous for kids.

Does RSV Spread Quickly?

RSV is really contagious and can spread faster during the winter months when everyone is spending more time indoors closer together. It can transmit through the air due to an uncovered cough or sneeze or it can be spread through direct contact, like a kiss to the forehead or cheek.

This is why so many providers will encourage you to limit who can kiss your baby during this time of the year. One sweet kiss from a person that is infected with RSV can lead to serious and even deadly consequences for your precious little one.

Early Symptoms Associated With RSV

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Trouble eating or drinking

When Does RSV Become Serious?

Anyone can contract RSV, but it often affects infants and small children more severely due to their small airways. Adults will usually experience mild chest discomfort and maybe a cough, but any sort of inflammation in your child’s tiny airways can lead to major breathing difficulties and respiratory distress.

Since your infants can’t talk yet and tell you how they are feeling, you are going to have to keep a really close eye on his or her symptom progression. Most RSV infections do stay mild to moderate and fade away in a week or so, but there is always a small chance that your child experiences a severe or dangerous infection.

Respiratory Distress Signs Your Infant May Display

• Chest contractions
• Bluish skin or fingernails
• Wheezing
• Shallow or rapid breathing

RSV can be really dangerous. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Dalton if you are worried about your symptoms.