“What is RSV?”
We took my daughter to the doctor and he diagnosed her with RSV. What exactly is RSV? Is this deadly?
2 Answers
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus - this virus car vary from very mild cold like symptoms to more severe bronchiolitis and breathing issues. The side effects - primarily breathing issues - will vary but usually worse in the young infant. Older infants and children will cough and behave like they have a bad cold but will be fine with time. The very young have small airways so they can get into trouble with their breathing and need more supportive care and closer follow-up with your pediatrician.
RSV is a respiratory virus that can cause cough and wheezing. It is more common from Nov to March but can occur other times. Most children are sick 2-6 weeks. Premature infants or babies with heart problems can get extremely sick with it and wind up on the ventilator. Most healthy children cough and wheeze but get over it. They can get asthma later on in about 5%
