RSV season is back! Not meaning to cause panic among parents, but you should definitely take steps to protect your kids from this virus, especially with the pandemic virus still spreading in most places. You simply just don’t want to be worried about any virus, period.
In this post, Your Kids Urgent Care in Orlando, FL, shares some important information on RSV that you should know about:
What Is RSV?
RSV stands for ‘respiratory syncytial virus,’ a type of respiratory virus that results in mild symptoms similar to that of the common cold. Recovery from RS typically takes between seven and fourteen days. However, for younger kids and older adults, this virus can cause more severe health problems.
For one, the CDC reported that RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children below one year old in the US. It’s also one of the most common culprits behind respiratory illnesses in older adults.
When Does RSV Usually Happen?
RSV usually spreads from fall to spring. It is between the end of December to mid-February that it is most rampant, though.
What Are the Symptoms of RSV?
RSV shares a lot of common symptoms with other types of respiratory problems:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Wheezing
Note that these symptoms will not appear all at the same time. Some don’t even experience all of them. Symptoms usually vary depending on the age and overall health of the child. Younger children often show irritability and a decrease in activity when they have RSV. Some even have breathing difficulties. Most children experience this infection before they reach their second birthday, too.
What’s the Treatment for RSV?
As mentioned, the symptoms typically clear up in one to two weeks. You should ensure that your child is well hydrated during this period, as many parents overlook this. There are OTC medications like acetaminophen that can help reduce fever and pains associated with RSV. However, if you have a newborn child below the age of six months, it’s better to err on the side of caution and take your child to a facility for urgent care for kids.
Who Are at a Higher Risk?
While any child or adult can get RSV, some are more at risk, including:
- Infants who are born prematurely
- Young children with chronic lung disease
- Young children with congenital heart disease
- Young children with a medical condition leading to a weak immune system
- Adults with vulnerable immune systems
- Older adults with underlying chronic diseases
What Can You Do to Prevent RSV?
To minimize the chances of RSV infecting your child, you should keep anyone in your home with the symptoms mentioned above away from the child as much as possible. Have them cover their mouth whenever they cough and sneeze. Everyone should wash their hands frequently to prevent the spreading of germs. You should also tell other family members and friends not to kiss your child whether or not they’re showing symptoms just to be on the safe side.
It’s also important to sanitize surfaces because the virus can survive on surfaces for hours. Basically, what you’re probably doing to keep your family safe from the current pandemic virus are the same things you should do to prevent RSV.
Conclusion
With RSV season getting closure, parents and guardians should be more vigilant when it comes to the children’s respiratory health. Take note of the preventive measures discussed above to help prevent RSV from infecting your child. If, however, your child catches it, and you are unsure whether to let it run its course at home or to take your little one to the ER, you can always take her to urgent care for kids in Orlando, FL.
Your Kids Urgent Care in Orlando, FL, provides superior urgent pediatric care. We accept patients after hours and on holidays, too. You don’t have to be torn between rushing to the ER or doing nothing at home. Let our experts provide medical care for your child.
