How to Treat RSV at Home and When to Go to the Doctor
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Health Tip of the Week In 2022, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hit hard. While for most kids, RSV is just a miserable cold virus, for others, it can lead to hospitalization or an admission to the intensive care unit.
As we head into another RSV season, there is hope. There is a new preventive medication approved for babies before or during their first RSV season. That, plus common-sense prevention tips, can make a big difference for little ones at risk for getting the sickest. Learn more about how to prevent RSV and, if your child does get it, how to ease their discomfort and get through the worst of it at home, if possible.
RSV is a virus that causes a miserable cold with thick mucus and a cough that can last a month. You can get the infection at any age and more than once in your lifetime. RSV tends to be particularly tough on babies and toddlers because the worst episode of RSV is usually the first time you catch the virus.
For the majority of children with RSV, symptoms are mild to moderate, and parents can manage them at home. But there are some red flags to watch out for that might mean a trip to the doctor.
To learn more about the new preventive medication for RSV:
Signs of RSV typically peak on days three, four and five of illness. They may include:
Like all colds, there is no medication to kill RSV. However, there are many ways to ease your child’s discomfort at home, including:
So how do you know when to take your child for medical care? Trust your instincts when trying to decide if a child’s cold requires medical attention.
If you are not certain, call your child’s pediatrician’s office. You can also use the CHOP symptom checker to help you determine how serious their symptoms are. If your child has other medical conditions, has a weakened immune system, or sees a specialist, be sure to check with their specialty care team.
In general, keep an eye out for these signs of a more serious case:
Don't panic! If your child is eligible, you can be proactive and take advantage of the antibody treatment to help prevent serious illness. If they do get sick, take steps to ease your child’s discomfort and get through the worst of it at home, use your judgement, and watch for the above warning signs.
We’ll get through this together!
Contributed by: Naline Lai, MD, FAAP, Julie Kardos, MD, FAAP, Lori Handy, MD, MSCE , Kathleen Filograna, MD, FAAP
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