What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)? I Knowing RSV

WHAT IS RSV?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that can lead to respiratory illness in babies, including lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

RSV infections can go from mild symptoms to hospitalization in less than a week.

Mild symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing, while severe symptoms can include wheezing and difficulty breathing.

That means the best time to learn about RSV is before your baby does.

Talk to your healthcare professional about RSV prevention options that may be available for your baby

Bronchiolitis (bron-key-oh-lie-tis) is a viral infection in the smallest airways in the lungs (bronchioles). When the bronchioles swell and become inflamed, mucus may build up, leading to congestion and difficulty breathing. Most cases of bronchiolitis are caused by RSV.

Pneumonia (noo-mohn-yuh) is a lung infection that can cause mild to severe coughing, fever, and trouble breathing.

If an infant or young child has bronchiolitis or pneumonia, RSV is a likely cause

RSV FAST FACTS

RSV is most common during the winter virus season (November–March) but can vary by local areas.

RSV spreads when droplets from a cough, sneeze, or infected surface get inside the eyes, nose, or mouth.

RSV infects many infants–nearly all will have been infected with RSV by the age of 2.

RSV can go from cold-like symptoms to hospitalization in less than a week.

While most RSV cases are mild, it is not possible to predict which healthy infants could get seriously ill and end up in hospital.

In one Canadian study, infants under 2 years were 14 times more likely to be hospitalized due to RSV than influenza.

There are limited options to address RSV disease once patients have been infected. Treatment of severe RSV infections generally relies on ‘supportive care’, including oxygen and fluids.

RSV SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

RSV can often mimic a cold or the flu.
But as the infection becomes more severe, so do the symptoms.
Keep a close eye on your baby if you notice any of the following:

Coughing

Runny nose

Wheezing

Decreased appetite

Sneezing

Fever

Congestion

In babies under 6 months, the only RSV symptoms they may show are irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite, difficulty breathing, and reduced fluid intake.

WHEN TO CONTACT A DOCTOR

If you notice any of the following in your baby, contact their doctor right away:

Short, shallow, and abnormally fast breathing:
Look for chest wall retractions. Think of chest wall retractions as a “caving-in” of the chest in between and under the ribs.

Your baby has a wheezing cough.

Nasal flaring:
When your baby’s nostrils spread out with every breath.

Your baby is unusually tired or has a blue tint to their lips or fingernails.

Your baby has poor feeding.

Your baby has a fever:

38°C (100.4°F) or higher for a baby younger than 3 months
39°C (102.2°F) or higher for a baby older than 3 months

RSV STORIES

Explore the stories of other parents whose children have experienced RSV.

Kate’s Story

“I knew about RSV, but I never thought my kids would get it. I figured only newborns, smaller infants, or those with certain underlying conditions were at risk.”

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Anna’s Story

“When she was exposed, we got a notification from daycare and I wasn’t overly concerned. She had typical symptoms of RSV. But around four days in, she was different…ultimately Emmaline ended up spending three days in the hospital.”

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Shanisty’s Story

“I remember asking, ‘What is RSV?’ I felt like a veteran mom. This is my third child, yet I had never ever heard of RSV before.”

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Rebecca’s Story

“RSV was like the boogeyman that we wanted to avoid at all costs. We were extremely careful to avoid crowded indoor areas, limited visitors, and washed our hands all the time. Despite all our efforts, however, she got sick.”

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HELP PROTECT YOUR BABY

RSV is easily spread through coughs, sneezes, and close physical contact, like cuddles and kisses.
Talk with your family and friends about practicing the following healthy habits to help protect your baby from RSV: