RSV Symptoms in Babies: A MUST-READ for Parents

Common RSV Symptoms in Babies

How will I know if my baby has RSV?

Now that we’ve covered what RSV is and how it’s caused, let’s discuss the signs of RSV in babies. It’s important to recognise these symptoms early so you can seek medical attention if needed.

Some common symptoms of RSV in babies include:

• Runny or stuffy nose

A baby with RSV may have a nose that runs or is blocked with mucus. This can make breathing difficult for the baby and cause discomfort or fussiness. Parents may notice their baby having trouble nursing or taking a bottle due to nasal congestion.

To relieve congestion, parents can use a bulb syringe to suction out excess mucus or use saline drops to help loosen mucus.

• Coughing

A baby may have a persistent cough, which can be dry or wet. Coughing is a natural reflex that helps to clear the airways of mucus and other irritants. However, a persistent cough can be uncomfortable for a baby and may interfere with sleep and feeding. Parents should contact their healthcare provider if a baby’s cough is severe or lasts for more than a few days.

• Sneezing

A baby may frequently sneeze, which can help to clear the nose and airways. Sneezing is a reflex that helps to expel irritants or excess mucus from the nose. While sneezing is usually not a cause for concern, parents should monitor their baby’s other symptoms to ensure they are not developing a more severe respiratory infection.

Additionally, parents should practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of RSV.

• Fever

A baby’s temperature may rise above the normal range, indicating a fever. A fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection, and in the case of RSV, it may indicate that the baby’s immune system is responding to the virus.

A mild fever is usually not a cause for concern. Still, parents should monitor their baby’s temperature and contact their healthcare provider if the fever is high or persists for several days.

• Rapid breathing or wheezing

A baby may breathe more quickly than average or have wheezing sounds in their chest. Rapid breathing can signal that the baby is struggling to get enough oxygen, while wheezing is a high-pitched sound indicating narrowed or inflamed airways.

Wheezing and rapid breathing can make it difficult for the baby to breathe and may cause fatigue or weakness. Parents should contact their healthcare provider if they notice these symptoms in their baby.

• Difficulty breathing

A baby may have trouble breathing, leading to a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, or flaring nostrils. In severe cases, a baby may have to work harder to breathe, which can cause the chest to cave in or the skin around the ribs and neck to appear to pull in with each breath.

Difficulty breathing is a severe symptom that requires immediate medical attention. Parents should call their healthcare provider or seek emergency care if they notice these symptoms in their baby.

• Refusing to eat or drink

A baby may have a decreased appetite and refuse to eat or drink as usual. This can be due to congestion or difficulty breathing, making it hard for the baby to swallow. It’s crucial to ensure the baby stays hydrated during this time, and parents may need to offer smaller, more frequent feedings.

• Irritability or restlessness

A baby may seem more fussy, irritable, or restless than usual. This can be due to discomfort caused by other RSV symptoms, such as coughing, congestion, or difficulty breathing. Sleep disturbances due to congestion can also make the baby more irritable or restless.

• Fatigue or weakness

A baby may seem tired or weak and may sleep more than usual. This can be due to the baby’s body fighting off the RSV virus, which can be exhausting. Also, difficulty breathing or decreased appetite can contribute to fatigue or weakness.

• Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin or nails)

In severe cases, a baby’s skin or nails may turn bluish due to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. This can be a life-threatening symptom and requires immediate medical attention. Cyanosis is a sign that the baby is not getting enough oxygen and can be caused by severe respiratory distress due to RSV.

Parents should call or seek emergency medical care if they notice this symptom in their baby.

It’s important to note that RSV symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and not all babies will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, symptoms may appear differently in premature babies or babies with underlying health conditions.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your baby, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider right away. They can evaluate your baby’s condition and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

How long does RSV last in babies?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), RSV in children is normally associated with mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, usually last and clear up within a week or two.

However, remember that people who acquire the virus can be contagious even a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems and infants can continue to spread the virus even after their symptoms have subsided, for a period of up to four weeks. 

It’s also worth noting that having a previous infection with RSV does not provide long-lasting immunity, and reinfection is common. However, the severity of the infection tends to decrease as individuals get older.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Parents should seek medical attention for their baby if they notice any signs or symptoms of RSV. It is particularly important to seek medical attention if their baby is experiencing difficulty breathing or has any signs of cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin or nails).

Other signs that parents should seek medical attention for their baby include:

• A high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
• Wheezing or rapid breathing
• A cough that is getting worse
• Signs of dehydration (such as decreased urination or dry mouth)
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Irritability or restlessness that is severe or lasts for a long time
• Signs of lethargy, such as decreased responsiveness or excessive sleeping

Parents should trust their instincts and seek medical attention if concerned about their baby’s health or well-being. It’s always better to err on caution regarding a baby’s health.

Preventing RSV in Babies

Unfortunately, there is still no vaccine to prevent RSV (but we’re hoping it happens in the near future). Neither is there medication to treat the infection. However, there are precautions you and others can take to minimise or avoid the risk of your baby contracting this infection. 

• Refrain from letting others (even if they are family) kiss your newborn on their face or hands, as germs can easily be transferred this way. 
• Advise visitors to wash or sanitise their hands before holding or touching your baby. 
• If you have a cold, then you too should avoid kissing your baby. Consider wearing a face mask to prevent the infection from spreading through coughing and sneezing to your baby. The same rule applies to other family members with cold symptoms. 
• Keep your little one away from crowds. 
• Do not permit smoking near your baby. 
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that often come into contact with hands, such as door knobs and taps. 

As mentioned before, no medication can treat the infection. However, you can help ease your little one’s symptoms while carefully monitoring for severe RSV symptoms (described above). 

Make sure you keep your little one hydrated, and if his nose is congested, you could try getting rid of the mucus with a bulb syringe and saline drops. 

The RSV virus is notorious for making newborns and young babies very sick — even causing death — and is often transmitted to them by an adult’s contact, usually saliva from a kiss. This is why it’s so important for parents to set firm rules about adult contact with their little ones. It’s also crucial that mums and dads are aware of RSV in baby symptoms. 

Updates from Pheona Ilagan