RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, an infection caused by a virus that affects the lungs, throat and nose. This virus is spread by close contact with others, such as holding hands, touching infected surfaces and even touching an object that an infected person has recently touched. Germs from the virus remain alive on surfaces anywhere from 30 mintues to several hours. While RSV occurs mainly in children by the time they turn three years old, infants may also be infected. If an infant contracts the condition, symptoms may be worse, even serious. Toddlers and small children often recover from mild symptoms, but learning to identify symptoms of RSV will prompt parents and care providers to seek early treatment.
Instructions
1. Watch for signs of what look like cold symptoms in your small child. These signs may be a runny nose or a low-grade fever, which mimics a cold or flu virus.
2. Pay attention if your child shows no interest in eating. A lack of appetite in a growing child is often a major indication that he or she is not feeling well, and one to which parents should pay close attention.
3. Listen to how your child breathes. Is he or she wheezing or coughing a lot? Again, these signs may mimic a cold, but as the condition progresses, children may show an increase in such symptoms.
4. Pay attention to your child if he or she is tugging on an ear. Often, an earache is a common symptom of RSV. Watch also for signs that your child is restless, especially at night.
5. Be especially vigilant in paying attention to the color of your child's skin. With some later-stage cases of RSV, the skin of a small child may appear almost bluish.
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