Does My Little One Have a Cold, or Could It Be More?

Winter is upon us and here at Twin Rivers Urgent Care we have been seeing a surge of RSV. Between the months November through April is usually when the human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) rears its ugly head. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants and toddlers, which is simply inflammation of the lower small airways. Usually, the older the child is the better their body handles the virus.

The symptoms of RSV are very similar to a cold which may include cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and sometimes wheezing or trouble breathing. Often children who cannot breathe well refuse to drink from a bottle which may cause dehydration. If your little one has any of these symptoms, wheezing, or decreased appetite it’s a good idea to get them evaluated by a health care professional. Respiratory viruses, like RSV, cannot be treated with antibiotics. Treatment includes supportive measures like ensuring hydration, adequate oxygenation, and the occasional use of Tylenol and Motrin for fever.

RSV is highly contagious so it is important to practice good hand hygiene which includes washing your hands with soap and water before and after touching your child and encouraging others to do so as well. It is also important to keep your little ones away from large crowds during the winter months, especially those six months any younger.