Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is among the most common lung infections caused in babies, especially those younger than two years. The symptoms are typically similar to flu and cold, so RSV is often mistaken for flu, leading to a delayed diagnosis. When not managed on time, RSV can cause severe lung complications that may require hospitalization. So, knowing what signs to look out for and how to prevent the infection is important.

Common symptoms of an RSV infection
RSV season generally begins in the fall and peaks in winter. That said, the duration and severity of annual outbreaks can vary from year to year, depending on the area or community one lives in. While an RSV infection in a baby can occur at any time of the year, watching out for its signs during the peak period, especially in winter, is crucial.

More often than not, RSV is less severe in the initial days. Early symptoms typically include runny nose, cough that progresses to wheezing, difficulty breathing, and inability to eat or drink normally. As the illness progresses, the symptoms become severe over a few days.

A few common symptoms can indicate RSV in infants who are less than six months old.

• Irritability
• Decreased activity
• Loss of appetite
• Pauses in breathing or apnea
• Occasional fever

Severe RSV symptoms
In most cases, RSV causes mild symptoms similar to a cold. But sometimes, it can cause severe illness because of symptoms like bronchiolitis, i.e., inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, i.e., infection of the lungs.

It has been observed that two to three out of every 100 babies with RSV infection might require hospitalization. This usually occurs when they cannot breathe or feed properly and need intravenous fluids and external breathing support.

Prevention of RSV in babies
Preventing RSV is not always possible since it is a common infection that easily spreads among infants and children. That said, following a couple of measures can help lower the risk. For instance, exclusive nursing for the first six months of a baby’s life can help build antibodies to fight off RSV and other infections. Limiting the baby’s exposure to germs during the RSV season is also important. This means avoiding taking the baby to crowded areas, keeping them away from someone who is sick, and ensuring that anyone in close contact with the baby washes their hands first.