Keep your Baby Healthy: Treating RSV in Infants 

Every parent wants to protect their baby from getting sick. But even with the best care, many babies can still catch common viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The team at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital is here to help you know what to look for and when to call the doctor, so you can keep your baby safe and breathing easy.

What is RSV and what are the symptoms of RSV in babies?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects the lungs and airways. RSV is very common, especially during the late fall and winter months. In fact, most children get RSV by the time they turn two.

For most kids, it causes a mild cold, but it can lead to more serious breathing problems for babies. While older children and adults usually recover quickly, babies have smaller airways and weaker immune systems, making it harder for them to fight the virus.

Common signs of RSV in otherwise healthy babies are:

• A cough
• Nasal congestion
• Fast breathing
• Difficulty eating
• Wheezing
• Bluish coloring around the lips

“RSV can look a lot like a common cold at first,” said Preston May, DO, pediatrician at AHN. “The difference is how quickly it can get worse in infants. Watch for early warning signs like rapid breathing, having trouble feeding, or seeming unusually tired.”

What to do when you notice RSV symptoms

It can be stressful to see your baby struggle when they are sick, but staying informed about treatment options will help you make the best decisions for their care.

Treating mild symptoms at home

If your baby has mild RSV symptoms, your pediatrician may recommend doing the following at home:

• Using a bulb syringe to remove mucus from your baby's nose.
• Using a humidifier to help your baby breathe more comfortably.
• Feeding smaller amounts more often.
• Giving doctor-approved fever reducer medication, if your baby is over two months old.
• Wiping down surfaces daily, if others in the home are sick.

Babies less than a year old should not be given cough medicine. If you are unsure about safe treatments, reach out to your pediatrician or family doctor to find out the right medication and dose for your baby, based on their age and weight.

When to go to the doctor or ER

If your baby’s symptoms are getting worse or you are unsure about their symptoms, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or family doctor. A simple swab test can confirm RSV.

Go to the emergency room right away if your baby has:

• Fast breathing or pauses between breaths.
• Noisy breathing, including wheezing and grunting.
• Rib or chest caving while breathing.
• Flaring nostrils or “head bobbing” while breathing.

“At AHN Saint Vincent, our emergency team is ready to step in when babies need extra help,” Dr. May said. “We can quickly give oxygen, fluids, or other treatments to make sure your baby can breathe safely and comfortably.”

After treatment in the ER, your baby should see their pediatrician or family doctor for a follow-up visit. This helps your baby’s care team stay informed on their recovery and gives you a chance to talk about caring for your baby at home.

Protecting your baby from RSV

You can lower your baby’s risk of getting RSV with a few simple steps:

• Keep up with doctor visits at two, four, six, and nine months.
• Get your baby vaccinated. Infants under eight months old should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Clean toys, surfaces, and play areas often.
• Do not smoke or vape near your baby.
• Limit contact with sick children or crowded public places during RSV season.

Committed to your baby’s health and wellness

Doctors at AHN Saint Vincent care about treating your baby for RSV and helping prevent future sickness, so your baby grows up healthy and strong. If your baby has symptoms of RSV, schedule an appointment with your AHN pediatrician or family doctor, or visit AHN Saint Vincent Hospital for trusted care when it matters most.