Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

This virus causes infections of the upper respiratory tract (such as colds) and, more commonly, lower respiratory tract infections, the most serious being bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It is the most common cause of lower respiratory infections in children under two and nearly all children have had it, in one form or another, by three years old.

RSV is spread through direct contact with infectious secretions such as nasal mucus or airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. A young child with RSV can be infectious for one to three weeks after symptoms die down but there's no need to keep her away from childcare or school during this time (unless still unwell) as she will have been infectious before she ever developed symptoms.

Is it serious?

Yes, it can be if it cause serious breathing problems or other complications, especially in children who are already compromised in some other way, for example, have heart problems, lung disease such as cystic fibrosis or a weakened immune system for whatever reason.

Always see your doctor straightaway if your child develops any of the following symptoms:

• Temperature over 38.3°C (101F)
• Thick green, yellow or grey nasal discharge
• Persistent cough over several days, especially if accompanied by yellow, green or grey mucus
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Bluish or grey colouring of the skin, lips and/or fingernails
• Reduced alertness.

How it's treated

If your child has only a mild case of RSV, you can look after her yourself at home and it's really a case of keeping an eye on her breathing and temperature, making sure she's comfortable and offering plenty of fluids.

Some children with RSV do end up being admitted to hospital, usually due to high fever and/or breathing difficulties, where they'll be monitored and given oxygen and fluids via a drip if necessary.

What you can do

• Offer plenty of drinks
• Keep an eye on your child's temperature and give the correct dose of infant paracetamol to bring any fever down
• With babies, it's important to keep the nose clear of mucus so they can feed properly. Your GP can prescribe nasal drops and there are suction devices specifically designed for clearing nasal congestion in babies that you can buy from your chemists
• Prop the head-end of the cot or bed up slightly and sprinkle a few drops of a suitable essential oil (such as eucalyptus) on the edge of the sheets to help your child breathe more easily at night
• Apply petroleum jelly to the nose and lips if sore and chapped
• Seek medical help straightaway if your child has or develops any of the symptoms