A Message to Parents About Increase in RSV Cases

By Dr. Megan Sikkema, Pediatrician, Bronson Children's Hospital & Pediatric Director of Clinical Practice, Bronson Medical Group

We have seen a recent increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). This is a common infection that occurs in childhood and is similar to the virus that causes common cold and flu.

Your child may be more likely to develop severe breathing problems from RSV if he or she:

• Is younger than 2 years old.
• Was born early (prematurely).
• Was born with heart or lung disease, Down syndrome, or other medical problems that are long-term (chronic).

Symptoms of this condition include:

1. Breathing issues, such as:
   • Breathing loudly (wheezing).
   • Having brief pauses in breathing during sleep (apnea).
   • Having shortness of breath.
   • Having difficulty breathing.
2. Coughing often.
3. Having a runny nose.
4. Having a fever.
5. Wanting to eat less or being less active than usual.
6. Being dehydrated.
7. Having irritated eyes.

Treatment is to lessen symptoms and support healing. Because RSV is a virus, usually no antibiotic medicine is prescribed.

General Instructions

• Use a suction bulb as directed to remove nasal discharge and help relieve a stuffed-up (congested) nose.
• Use a cool mist vaporizer in your child's bedroom at night. This is a machine that adds moisture to dry air. It helps loosen mucus.
• Have your child drink enough fluids to keep his or her urine pale yellow. Fast and heavy breathing can cause dehydration.
• Offer your child a well-balanced diet.
• Watch your child carefully and do not delay seeking medical care for any problems. Your child's condition can change quickly.

Please call your child’s healthcare provider if their symptoms get worse or do not improve in 3-4 days.

Get help right away if your child meets any of these criteria:

• Skin turns blue.
• Nostrils widen during breathing.
• Breathing is not regular, or there are pauses during breathing. This is most likely to occur in young babies.
• Mouth is dry.
• Has trouble breathing.
• Makes grunting noises when breathing.
• Has trouble eating or vomits often after eating.
• Urinates less than usual.
• Is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Is 3 months to 3 years old and has a temperature of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.

Children can return to daycare when they are fever free for 24 hours and their symptoms are improving.

For further information, please refer to this website: RSV: When It's More Than Just a Cold - HealthyChildren.org.

The staff at Bronson Children’s Hospital is here to partner with you. The information above has been gathered by our team of pediatricians and is intended to give you tools to use during this stressful time.

Watch the following video. Bronson providers share helpful information about respiratory viruses, tips on how you can help to protect your child and signs that indicate you should seek medical care.