When to take a baby with RSV to the hospital

As a parent, seeing your baby sick is never easy. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common illness that affects babies and children of all ages. While RSV symptoms usually resemble a cold, RSV in children under 5 years old (particularly in those under 1 year old) can lead to serious illness. That’s why it’s important to know when to take a baby with RSV to the hospital.

Let’s break down the signs of RSV in babies and some signs that it’s time to head to the hospital.

How do babies get RSV?

Children get RSV through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person.

That can happen with direct inhalation when someone with RSV coughs, sneezes or even talks near another person. The highly contagious virus can also become airborne and then can settle on commonly touched surfaces like toys, countertops or doorknobs. If a baby touches a contaminated surface and then puts their hands in their mouth, or rubs at their nose or eyes, the virus can enter their system.

Close contact, such as being kissed or held by someone with RSV, is another common way the virus spreads. Daycares, family gatherings and public spaces can be hotspots for exposure since RSV is so highly contagious and can live on surfaces for several hours. Children in school or daycare also often bring the virus home, where they may have younger siblings that can be more vulnerable to infection due to their immature immune systems.

Fortunately, there are now options available to protect infants and young children against the virus. If a mother receives the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, it provides her baby with protection against RSV for the first six months of life after birth.

Infants under 8 months old can also be given the RSV monoclonal antibody, which has shown to be highly effective at preventing serious illness.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about RSV prevention options and any other steps you can take to keep your family well, especially during the fall and winter months.

Signs of RSV in babies

The signs of RSV in babies can vary from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress, depending on the child’s age and overall health. Early signs of RSV often include:

• Runny nose
• Fever
• Congestion
• Decreased appetite
• Cough (wet or dry)
• Sneezing

As RSV progresses, babies can become more tired and could have difficulty feeding and breathing due to nasal congestion.

RSV can also cause a lower respiratory condition called bronchiolitis. Bronchiolitis can cause swelling of the airways in your baby’s lungs, which can make breathing difficult. Symptoms of bronchiolitis include cold symptoms but also may include fast breathing, flaring of nostrils while breathing, wheezing, grunting and using abdomen muscles while breathing.

For newborns and babies younger than six months, you may not see typical cold symptoms. Instead, they may only have symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased appetite
• Fussiness
• Minimal interest in activities

If you ever become concerned about your baby’s breathing ability, don’t hesitate to call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room.

Signs it’s time to take a baby with RSV to the hospital

For most babies, RSV can typically be treated at home with a few steps to help relieve congestion, manage fever and keep your baby hydrated as they recover.

If you notice your baby’s symptoms worsening or if they don’t seem to feel better after a week or two, reach out to your child’s doctor.

It’s also important to monitor your baby’s fever. Call your doctor if their temperature stays above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 5 days or for any temperatures above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for babies under three months old. Wheezing or difficulty breathing is another reason to get in to see your doctor.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), complications from RSV typically hospitalize 2-3% of babies younger than 6 months old. Watch out for these signs that you may need to call 911 or take your baby with RSV to the hospital:

• Labored or rapid breathing
• Bluish tint to the lips or fingernails
• Severe fatigue
• Dehydration (dry mouth, lack of tears or decreased urination)

In the emergency room or urgent care, doctors will assess your baby’s oxygenation and hydration status to see if they need more support. They may also opt to do a deep nasal suction, which can make a world of difference for a baby struggling to breathe due to severe nasal congestion. Most of the time, you’ll be able to go home with a few home care instructions and indications for when to return to the hospital.

For babies with more severe illness, doctors in the hospital may provide respiratory support through a nasal canula, CPAP machine or intubation. While these cases are rare, these interventions can be lifesaving for some babies. IV fluids may also be necessary if your baby is dehydrated.

Always trust your instincts as a parent and get care if you think your child needs it.

How long does RSV last in babies?

RSV in babies typically lasts about two weeks, but the duration can vary depending on the severity of the infection and your baby’s overall health.

In mild cases, babies may experience symptoms like a runny nose, mild cough and low-grade fever that improve within 5-7 days. Your baby’s cough may linger for several weeks as their airway heals.

For babies with more severe cases of RSV, especially those who develop complications like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, the illness can last longer, sometimes up to four to six weeks.

Even after the worst of the virus has passed, some babies might continue to have residual coughing or wheezing, especially if they have an underlying condition like reactive airway disease. While RSV generally resolves on its own, monitor your child closely to make sure symptoms don’t worsen, and contact your doctor if your child doesn’t begin to feel better.

Find a doctor or urgent care location near you today. Whether it’s RSV or something else, we’re here for you and your family.