Being a parent is certainly a hard job! In addition to taking care of your children on a daily basis, the cold and flu season brings extra challenges to your home.

One illness in particular that worries many parents is respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. While anyone can contract RSV, it is especially dangerous to infants, small children and those who are immunocompromised.

If your little one starts to exhibit some cold-like symptoms, it may indicate the beginning of an RSV infection. Our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team explains the symptoms to watch out for below.

What Does RSV Do to a Baby?

RSV is an infection that affects the sensitive lungs and airway passages. As the body reacts to the infection, it can cause inflammation and irritation. In otherwise healthy adults, the resulting symptoms are merely an annoyance and will often be passed off as a common cold.

If a baby comes down with RSV, though, it may be much more serious. Since a child’s airways and breathing passages are so little, any type of inflammation can be dangerous and even deadly in some cases.

Early Signs of RSV

• Runny nose/congestion
• Decreased appetite
• Wheezing or coughing
• Fever

Do All RSV Cases Become Serious?

The good news is that it is not a guarantee that your baby will become seriously ill if he or she has RSV. Some cases stay mild and resolve on their own within a week or so.

It is crucial that you watch your baby closely, though! Any signs of distress or trouble breathing indicate a medical emergency—and you need to take action right away. Some signs that breathing is becoming difficult for your infant include shallow or rapid breathing, chest retractions, and a blue or gray color to the lips.

Keep Your Baby Healthy

• Don’t kiss your baby while you are sick.
• Wash your hands.
• Don’t let others kiss your baby on the face.
• Cover your sneeze or cough.

RSV can become dangerous quickly. If you are concerned about the health of your infant, come visit us right away at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah.