What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can cause severe infection in infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. Almost all children get RSV at least once before they are two years of age.

Symptoms:

People with RSV infection typically have:

• Fever

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Wheezing 

• In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.

Protect Your Child From RSV

Keeping your baby healthy is one of your biggest priorities. Follow some of these tips to protect your child from RSV!

Caring For you Child at Home

There is no cure for respiratory viruses, but some medications can reduce disease severity in certain situations. For mild symptoms, follow these tips to help ease discomfort: 

• Reduce congestion with nasal saline with gentle suctioning. Children with RSV should sit or lie upright when possible. Cool-mist humidification also helps to clear the congestion and make them feel better. 

• Make sure your child with RSV gets plenty of rest and drinks clear fluids such as water, broth or sports drinks to prevent dehydration. Healthy snacks and small meals are also recommended. 

• If your child has a fever (100.4 degrees F or higher), acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be given to children 6 months of age and older. Infants and children should not be given aspirin as this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Only use other medications or medications for infants less than 6 months old under the guidance of your health care provider. 

• Follow dosing instructions listed on the back of the medication or from your health care provider. 

• Stay home at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). 

Most childhood respiratory illnesses are mild and resolve on their own without the need for emergency care or hospitalization. Understanding when to see a doctor or go to the hospital ensures that children receive the right care. Call ahead to get medical advice and see what you can do at home and when it is best to come in to be examined. Seek evaluation right away if your child has the following symptoms: 

• Difficulty breathing (for example fast breathing, flaring nostrils, head bobbing, grunting, or wheezing while breathing; belly breathing; pauses in breathing)  

• Are not able to drink enough fluids and having symptoms of dehydration 

• Gray or blue color to tongue, lips or skin 

• Significantly decreased activity and alertness 

• Fever in those under 3 months of age (12 weeks) 

• Fever above 104°F repeatedly for a child of any age 

• Poor sleep or fussiness, chest pain, ear tugging or ear drainage 

• If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days.   

Is Your Child at Higher Risk for Sever RSV?

Early evaluation and treatment by a health care professional can ensure the best possible outcomes for children who are at a higher risk of severe disease. Children who are at higher risk of severe disease include: 

• Younger children, particularly 6 months old or younger 

• Premature or low-birth weight infants 

• Children with chronic medical conditions, including chronic lung diseases, heart disease, disorders weakening the immune system, or neuromuscular disorders 

It is likely that both seasonal influenza (flu) and COVID-19 will circulate this fall and winter. It's important to take precaution. 

1. Get vaccinated against the flu: you can make an appointment through myturn.ca.gov or by scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider.
   • Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy and helps protect their infants from the flu in their first few months. 
   • Getting vaccinated may also protect those around you, especially those who are immunocompromised and may not be able to get vaccinated.
2. Take preventive measures:
   • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (20 seconds at least).
   • Cover your cough and sneezes
   • Stay at home when you are sick

COVID is still here and it's important that we stay vigilant as much as possible. While you travel for holidays, it's crucial that you take all the precautions to protect both yourself and your family. 

1. Before traveling, make sure that you are free of any symptoms and get tested in advance of your travels. 
   • Stay home if you are sick. 
   • Know that if you are symptomatic and test positive, you should seek treatment right away. You have the option to get FREE treatment for COVID-19, such as the Paxlovid pill that must be taken within 5-7 days of when symptoms begin.
   • Calculate your personalized isolation
2. Know your risk. If you are traveling via public transport such as air, trains, or buses, it is recommended that you wear a high-quality mask or respirator over the nose and mouth.
3. To lower your risk of severe illness due to COVID, make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. 
   • See the COVID-19 Vaccine Timing

Learn more: COVID-19 Information