There are so many different ways to get sick during the fall and winter seasons! Even when you do your best to avoid illness, you are still vulnerable to a variety of different illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

Did you know that anyone at any age can get RSV? While it may just seem like a mild cold to healthy adults, it can be very dangerous to the little ones in your life. If your infant starts to experience minor cold symptoms, keep a close eye on him or her to see if any symptoms get worse.

Read on to learn the details about RSV from our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville team.

What Does RSV Do to the Body?

RSV is a respiratory virus that settles into the lungs and breathing passages. It can be mild with simple cold symptoms like a runny nose and cough, but it can also progress to trouble breathing, chest retractions and bronchiolitis, which is when the lung passageways become inflamed.

The potential for bronchiolitis is one of the reasons why RSV is particularly dangerous to a baby. Since a baby’s airways are so small to begin with, any inflammation can make it really hard to breathe productively and can actually be life-threatening.

RSV Signs in Young Infants

• Mild cold-like symptoms
• Irritability
• Decreased appetite
• Apnea, or pauses when breathing

When Does RSV Prompt a Medical Visit?

As a new parent, any time your child is sick, it can be scary! While you know your child best and know when he or she is not acting normally, knowing what signs to look for in an emergency is critical to keeping him or her safe.

Some signs of serious illness include bluish or a gray color to skin or lips, short and shallow breathing, and trouble drinking or swallowing are all signs to seek immediate medical attention.

How to Reduce the Spread of RSV

• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Avoid kissing your baby on the face if you feel unwell.
• Wash your hands often.
• Ask people to wash their hands before holding your baby.
  

RSV should always be taken seriously. If you are concerned about the health of your infant, come visit us right away at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville.