Houston – ‘Tis the season for sniffles!
Respiratory syncytial virus also known as RSV is a contagious virus that impacts the respiratory tract and lungs. It’s most common from October through March with peak season in the winter.
While most children will be exposed to this virus before the age of two, it can affect people of all ages. In fact, adults with certain chronic medical conditions are more at risk. Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore recently sat down with Dr. Isil Halac, a pediatrician with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital to learn more about how to stay healthy during RSV season.
Dr. Halac explained that RSV, the common cold, and the flu all have similar symptoms. While RSV symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, and cough, parents or caretakers should take action if the child or patient starts to wheeze, breathe rapidly, or if their chest begins to cave when breathing.
Treatment options for RSV vary by case. Serious cases could result in hospitalizations but typical cases are treated symptomatically. That means doctors can help with oxygen delivery, oxygenation, or administering albuterol (inhaler) to help with breathing. Because RSV is a virus, treating it with antibiotics will not be helpful but the FDA has approved a monoclonal antibody, to prevent RSV in infants and young children. It’s recommended for newborns within the first week of life.
Patients are asked to seek medical attention if their child has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin.
Go to memorialhermann.org/kids-kprc for more information.