RSV is a fast-growing illness in the United States that disproportionately impacts children. Children are far more likely to have worsened symptoms than adults. That is why it is essential to understand how children respond to RSV and how to prevent your kids from contracting RSV. This guide also contains valuable information on the signs and symptoms of RSV in kids and how to treat the virus.
What is RSV in Children
RSV is short for Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-Uhl) virus. The virus is not so alarming in adults and people with lower risks. The virus poses signs similar to cold or flu and usually disappears in about weeks or less. However, in children (especially kids that are less than 2 years), RSV can be highly life-threatening. Since the immune system in kids is much weaker than an adult’s, the virus usually overrides their immune system and weakens them in a much more severe way.
Symptoms of RSV in Children
Though the symptoms of RSV in adults could include mild fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, and maybe a slight headache, in children, the symptoms of RSV are more alarming, scary, and fatal if not handled immediately.
Children could experience rapid or difficulty in breathing and severe cases of cough, sneezing, or chronic wheezing. Other symptoms include a high fever and skin discoloration.
How to Treat RSV in Children
You cannot treat RSV at home, especially in children. But what you can do is determine your need for RSV treatment by evaluating your child’s immediate symptoms, community risks, and recent news about RSV spread. If the child is only experiencing the mild symptoms as a result of early detection, take him or her to the urgent medical care center as soon as possible. However, if things have become agitated and frightening, report the child straight to the ER for immediate care.
How to Prevent RSV in Children
RSV is not a good thing to have. It is better to prevent its occurrence than focus on its treatment. Hence, how can you prevent your child from contracting the virus? There are two ways; direct and indirect.
Direct prevention methods include keeping the child from crowds, preventing multiple people from carrying or touching the child, and constant practices that keep the child’s immune system strong.
Indirect methods include washing your hands before you carry the child at every moment, using face masks if you have RSV, and keeping yourself safe from the virus.
Conclusion
RSV is highly contagious and can easily be contracted if adequate care is not taken. However, if you need testing and treatment for RSV, visit an urgent care center. Urgent care provides same-day testing without a major hospital wait which is the best for treating children.
