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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that nearly all children get by age 2, but infection can occur at any age.

RSV infections typically occur during the winter months, but outbreaks can occur at other times as well. It is a very contagious virus that usually spreads through contact with mucus, saliva, or droplets in the air from an infected person. It can also spread through contact with surfaces that an infected person has touched. Most of the time, RSV causes symptoms that are similar to a common cold, but it can be more severe for some children.

Children with higher risk of severe RSV include:

  • Babies under 6 months of age
  • Babies born prematurely 
  • Babies and children with chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, neuromuscular disorders, or weakened immune systems

RSV is a virus, and there is no medication to treat it. Most children will recover at home with no need for treatment. However, if needed, hospitals can treat children with oxygen and other types of supportive care to help with their recovery.  

Researchers are working to develop vaccines to help prevent RSV.

Common RSV symptoms include:

  • Runny/stuffy nose
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fussiness

Infants and children who develop these symptoms may visit a pediatrician for evaluation and recommendations for care.

Severe RSV symptoms can include:

  • Fast breathing
  • Flaring of the nostrils
  • Grunting during breathing
  • Belly breathing
  • Tugging between the ribs

More severe RSV causes bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and can cause pneumonia as well. Sometimes, infants and children who develop these symptoms may be hospitalized for care. 

When to seek care

Most RSV infections go away on their own in seven to 10 days, but the cough can last two to three weeks. Pediatricians at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital are always here to offer advice or evaluate your child.

You should call your child’s primary care provider if:

  • Your child has a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit that lasts longer than 72 hours. 
  • Your baby or child isn’t feeling better after 10 days. 
  • You notice signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry lips and mouth, no tears produced when crying, a sunken soft spot on your baby’s head)  

Seek emergency care if your child is:

  • Under 1 month of age and has a fever of 100.4 or higher
  • Grunting
  • Appearing gray or blue 
  • Listless or unresponsive

Prevention

It is very hard to prevent RSV in young children, especially in a daycare setting, but here are some tips to help:

Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer

Stay away from those infected with RSV

Teach older children to cover their cough

Clean high-touch surfaces frequently

Limit sharing of cups or utensils

If you have a newborn, you may consider limiting visitors during RSV season. Ensure any visitors are healthy, wash their hands before holding the baby, and refrain from kissing your baby. You might also ask visitors to wear a mask to further reduce risk. 

During RSV season, just remember to monitor your child and know when to seek care. The pediatric experts at UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital will always be here to help care for your child during RSV season.

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Locations and Offices

General Pediatrics - Iowa River Landing

Second Floor
1-319-467-2000
Clinic
In Iowa River Landing
105 East 9th Street, Coralville, IA 52241

Pediatric Associates of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital–Iowa City

Suite 1000-Z
1-319-351-1448
Clinic
In Iowa City - North Dodge
1360 North Dodge Street, Iowa City, IA 52245

Pediatrics - Cedar Rapids

Suite 150
1-319-363-3600
Clinic
In Cedar Rapids – 10th Street SE
411 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

Pediatrics - Muscatine

1-563-263-0339
Clinic
In Muscatine – 3465 Mulberry Avenue
3465 Mulberry Avenue, Muscatine, IA 52761

Pediatrics - Scott Boulevard

Main Floor
1-319-467-6789
Clinic
In Iowa City - Scott Boulevard
3640 Middlebury Road, Iowa City, IA 52245

Cedar Rapids-Park Place Clinic

1-319-363-3600
Clinic
In Cedar Rapids - Park Place NE
1231 Park Place NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

Pediatric Associates of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital – Coralville

1-319-339-1231
Clinic
In Pediatric Associates of UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital – Coralville
2593 Holiday Road, Coralville, IA 52241

Pediatrics - North Liberty–Lininger Lane

1-319-467-7888
Clinic
In North Liberty – Lininger Lane
1765 Lininger Lane, North Liberty, IA 52317
Clinical Trials currently in progress
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Patient Stories

Parent blog: Jessie and Ryan Venden
January 22, 2020
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) led to respiratory failure, sepsis, pneumonia, and feeding issues for Jayce Venden. After almost a month at our hosp...

Related News


Closing in on a vaccine for RSV
November 7, 2022
UI researchers continue the progress by developing nextgen, nanoparticle nasal vaccines for RSV 

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Iowa City, IA 52242
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