Respiratory Syncytial Virus
(Bronchiolitis) - A Common Winter Virus

• Causes deep congestion / wheezing in infants.
• Represents one out of approximately 300 cold viruses.
• Outbreaks / epidemics occur in the winter.
• Most every child has had it by 3-4 years of age.
• Treatment is not antibiotics unless complications arise but rather vaporizers (to keep mucus loose), nose suction, and/ or broncho-dilator.

During this season of colds and flu, parents of young children should watch for signs of RSV, a viral respiratory infection that in a few cases can lead to serious complications.

RSV usually occurs in younger children, the majority of whom are less than two years of age. The peak age for RSV to occur is between two and five months.

Some of the first symptoms noticed with RSV:

• Runny nose
• Increased temperature
• Possible ear infection or eye drainage
• Cough

Indications of more serious development:

• Increased cough and wheezing
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Skin color changes (lips and nail beds - should be pink)

Signs that the infection is severe:

• Breathing rate > 70 breaths per minute
• Lethargy and limpness
• Breathing very difficult
• Obvious skin color changes

RSV is not a serious disease for most children, but for premature infants, children with chronic lung or heart diseases or children with suppressed immune system, RSV can be serious.