Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, may spread easily at an indoor gathering full of hugs and close friends and family. To protect those most at risk of severe RSV, including babies and very young children, it might be especially important this year to vet people who want to hold your baby based on how sniffly they are or whether they're coughing.
A wave of RSV cases in children came early this year, and is causing an unusually large number of hospitalizations, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"It appears that the circulation of (RSV) came earlier than is usual, and the number of cases is more than is typical," Dr. Mary T. Caserta, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases, said in a Nov. 17 report from the AAP. "There's been a dramatic increase in the number of cases and the number of hospitalizations."
Contributing to the alarm over higher-than-normal RSV rates and a harsh season of respiratory viruses are other factors that are affecting pediatric health care, like an understaffed health care industry, payment disparities for hospital beds and the mental health crisis in older children, Dr. Moira Szilagyi, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, wrote in an opinion piece for CNN.
A CDC chart showing an early and steep spike of RSV infections across age groups. RSV was the leading cause of hospitalizations in babies under one year from 2009-2019, according to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
We've already been warned that we are likely in for a rough flu season this year, as public health measures like mask-wearing are phased out after a few years of COVID-19 precautions. But RSV has become an additional concern, as infection waves started earlier than normal and familiar reports of overfilled hospitals flood the media.
RSV is a common virus -- most kids will have it before their second birthday. And while anyone can get it, babies, children under age 5, older adults and people who are immunocompromised are especially vulnerable to severe illness, which can cause pneumonia or bronchitis and require hospitalization.
While almost all children will have at least one RSV infection before their second birthday and most will recover at home, it's important to know the signs of a more severe infection in order to get the care you need. It may also be necessary (though sometimes awkward) to take some simple preventative measures when it comes to other people holding or being around your child.
Is that a 'COVID cough' or RSV?
Coughing is a common symptom of many respiratory viruses, including RSV, COVID-19 and the flu. So how can you tell what's causing your child's cough?
"From a clinical standpoint, it's difficult to determine how coughs might be different," Dr. Syeda Amna Husain, a pediatrician based in New Jersey, said in an email. RSV, COVID-19 and the flu all have the potential to cause bronchiolitis-like (lung infection) symptoms in children, which can make it difficult for them to move their lungs in order to let air in, Husain says.
Testing is the only sure way to know which virus is responsible, according to Husain, and that may also narrow down some treatment options.
What is RSV? How is it spread?
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus, which means it's spread to others through tiny droplets from the nose or throat of an infected person. You get it when these droplets get into your eyes, nose or throat, either through contact with someone who's sick, or by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus lives on hard surfaces (like cribs) for hours. RSV doesn't live quite as long on soft surfaces, like skin or tissues. According to the CDC, it is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies under age 1.
Can adults catch RSV from kids?
Yes. Children commonly get RSV at school or day care and bring it home to other family members. Most adults, however, will either have mild or no symptoms of RSV.
Some adults, including older adults, folks with compromised immune systems or adults with lung or heart issues may have more severe illness or complications.
What are the symptoms in children and babies?
Symptoms usually show up around four to six days after getting infected or exposed, per the CDC. Common signs include:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Decreased appetite
- Coughing or wheezing
- Fever
In very young infants or babies, however, the only symptoms may be irritability and fussiness; decreased activity or acting more tired than normal; or troubled breathing, including pauses in breathing.
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How to avoid RSV
Because RSV is a respiratory virus, a lot of the same health precautions we take for other viruses will cut down the risk of you or your child getting it. This includes avoiding contact with people who are sick or have symptoms, avoiding crowded indoor places, and washing your hands before eating or touching your face.
For babies and younger kids, prevention could extend to not allowing other people to kiss, hold or touch your baby if you're concerned about contracting the virus. (You can also ask them to wash their hands and wear a mask when holding your baby.) Ideally, the CDC says that people with any cold-like symptoms should avoid being around children at higher risk for RSV.
How about minimizing the risk of RSV in a child who's active and tends to have their hands and toys everywhere?
"Try to keep your child's hands away from their face, especially the nose and mouth," Husain said, as this is a fast way for common infectious particles to spread. You can also disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, like toys, counter surfaces and door handles.
Signs you should take your child to the hospital
Signs you should call your doctor or get medical care immediately, according to the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, include:
- Fast breathing or wheezing
- Breathing with flared nostrils or "head bobbing" with each breath
- Tugging or belly breathing, as shown in a video on the AAP's page (it might look like the rib cage is caving in)
- Your child can't drink or has symptoms of dehydration (fewer than one wet diaper every eight hours)
- Your child's lips, skin or tongue are a grayish or blue color
Very young infants (under six months), babies who were born premature, and children who have weakened immune systems, neuromuscular disorders (trouble swallowing or clearing mucus) as well as other health problems have a greater risk of severe illness from RSV. If your child has only mild symptoms, extra treatment probably won't be necessary outside of your home. But according to The Cleveland Clinic, your child may need to receive intravenous fluids (have an IV) if their rapid breathing is preventing them from drinking and staying hydrated. According to the clinic, about 3% of children with RSV will require a hospital stay, and most will be able to go home within two to three days.
If you're an older adult, are immunocompromised or have an underlying health condition, you may also be at higher risk of severe disease from RSV. In fact, older adults have a higher burden of death from RSV. According to CDC surveillance, RSV is expected to cause at least 6,000-10,000 deaths in adults 65 and older, compared to 100 to 300 deaths in children younger than 5, each year in the US.
If you or anyone around you is having a hard time breathing, always seek emergency care or medical care right away.
Treatments for RSV
RSV is a viral infection, which means antibiotics won't work. Treatment for RSV is typically supportive, and over-the-counter medications (but never aspirin for children) may help relieve common symptoms like cough or congestion. You should consult your doctor before giving your child any drug, even non-prescription, because not all medication ingredients are safe for children and their smaller, growing bodies.
High risk children that are severely ill are sometimes treated with an antiviral Ribavirin and intravenous immunoglobulin. Treatment may also be considered for severely ill immunocompromised adults. The vast majority of patients do not require these interventions.
For high-risk infants and children, preventative strategies are available; there is a monoclonal antibody available called palivizumab. It's given in monthly injections during RSV season and meant for children who are at higher risk of being hospitalized. Some eligible children would be babies who were born very premature (before 29 weeks) and young children who are immunocompromised or have other health conditions, like heart disease or neuromuscular conditions. In November, the AAP updated its guidance and suggested doctors consider giving high-risk patients more than five consecutive doses of palivizumab.
If you believe your child is at high risk and might be eligible for the treatment, reach out to your doctor.
Is there a vaccine?
There is not yet a vaccine for RSV, but scientists are working on it. Pfizer announced promising results in November from its global trial, which found its RSV vaccine, when given to a pregnant person, was about 82% effective at preventing severe disease in their babies following birth, during the first three months of life. It was about 69% effective during the child's first six months of life.
Johnson & Johnson has also started international trials of its vaccine in older adults.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
