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Respiratory syncytial virus causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.

My son Noah was 7 months old when he was hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis.

He stayed for almost 2 weeks.

Most children are affected by age 2.

In adults, this virus is milder like a common cold.

RSV can cause a serious infection for immune-compromised individuals, premature babies, and individuals with heart and lung disease.

Symptoms include congested/runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, headache.

In severe cases, RSV can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

When that occurs with a fever, you can also experience-rapid breathing and bluish skin coloring due to lack of oxygen.

Infants who are severely affected may show their chest muscles and skin pulling inward near their clavicle when taking a breath in.

People with RSV are contagious for 3-8 days, and symptoms can last 4 weeks or longer.

For prevention, make sure to constantly wash hands and avoid contact with sick people. That means no kissing, shaking hands, using the same utensils, etc.

Clean and disinfect surfaces, and keep your hands off your face.

Contact your physician if you believe your child or you have RSV.

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