Dear NP

Dear NP,

The community has noticed an uptick in RSV cases. It may be helpful to talk about RSV, what it is, how it is treated and how it affects certain age groups more severely than others.

Dear Reader,

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a respiratory illness that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Infections usually clear up in a week or two, but in infants and older adults, RSV can be severe. In these age groups, conditions like bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways) or pneumonia can cause complications. Infants under one year old are at the highest risk for complications from RSV.

Because RSV is highly contagious, it spreads quickly in settings like schools and childcare centers, putting children at even higher risk of RSV. Older kids may carry the virus home and pass it on to younger siblings.

RSV is spread by droplets that contain the virus. These droplets can be spread through coughing or sneezing. RSV can also live on surfaces like doorknobs or counters.

RSV infections are most often seen during the fall and spring. Those at higher risk for complications include premature babies, babies under six months old, children younger than two with chronic lung disease or congenital heart diseases, children with weakened immune systems and children with neuromuscular disorders.

Common symptoms of RSV include a runny nose, sore throat, headache, coughing, fevers and not eating or drinking well. More severe symptoms include wheezing or trouble breathing and signs of dehydration, like fewer wet diapers than usual.

You should contact your healthcare provider if your child has a high fever, the cough is getting worse or you notice wheezing, rapid breathing or signs of dehydration.

Because the symptoms of RSV are similar to cold and flu viruses, it can sometimes be hard to tell what is causing the illness. Fortunately, most cases of RSV are mild and won’t need medical treatment; however, your healthcare provider can test for RSV with a fluid sample from the nose. Samples are collected with a cotton swab or suction of the nose.

Most cases of RSV can be cared for at home by keeping your child comfortable with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Antibiotics won’t help RSV because it is a virus, and antibiotics only work for bacterial infections. Offer your child plenty of fluids, use a cool-mist humidifier, and use a saline nose spray with a bulb syringe if needed to clear the nose.

If children become severely ill, they may need to be hospitalized. Some children will need oxygen, IV fluids and even ventilatory support. Most improve with this supportive care and can be discharged home within a few days.

You can help decrease the risk of RSV infection by keeping your children healthy. Teach them to wash their hands often and avoid touching their face.

Avoid crowds and contact with anyone who is sick. Clean and disinfect surfaces like counters and doorknobs. Teach kids to cover their coughs and sneezes and keep them home if they are sick.

Dr. Wesley Davis is an Emergency Nurse Practitioner at Crook County Medical Services District and Coordinator of the Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner program at the University of South Alabama. He encourages readers to send their questions to [email protected]