Does the RSV Virus Cause Breathing Problems in Infants?

When the weather changes, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreads very quickly, causing parents to worry about their children’s health. Although RSV is the cause of respiratory diseases, typically pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children, is the RSV virus the main cause of respiratory problems in children?

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What is RSV virus?

RSV virus, also known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is an infectious virus that causes respiratory problems such as bronchiolitis, bronchitis, rhinopharyngitis and pneumonia… Although the symptoms of the disease are often mild like a cold, the condition can cause complications such as lung infections, especially in infants, young children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory diseases, asthma, chronic underlying diseases,…

When RSV virus Invading the body through the nose, it can cause inflammation of the nasal mucosa, creating thick nasal discharge that blocks the airways leading to respiratory failure. The virus passes through the bronchioles and alveoli, damaging the alveoli, causing air stagnation and even causing necrosis of respiratory cells.

RSV virus has two main forms:

Form 1: Causes high fever and has a poor prognosis.
Form 2: Causes mild fever or even no fever.

Patients with severe complications from the virus are at risk of death (mortality rate 2.8% – 22% worldwide).

How to diagnose RSV in children

To RSV diagnosis In children, the doctor will first perform a clinical health check and ask about the child’s medical history, symptoms that have appeared, and contact history. Then, the doctor may ask the child to perform some tests such as:

Throat swab test,PCR test: to accurately diagnose whether or not there is RSV virus
Blood test and urine, chest X-ray: to check the extent of damage to organs caused by RSV and complications (if any)

Is RSV virus the main cause of respiratory problems in children?

RSV virus in children can cause mild symptoms, like cold Common symptoms include: Coughing, sneezing, runny nose… However, RSV virus in children will cause a lot of nasal discharge, sticky, making the disease last longer. In addition, children may also be fussy, uncomfortable, have poor sleep, be lethargic, breastfeed poorly or stop breastfeeding, vomit… Some children have severe symptoms such as breathing faster than normal, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing.

RSV does not cause respiratory problems in most children. In fact, most children will have at least one RSV infection before they are 2 years old. For most children, this is not a big deal. Any symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, fever, and cough will usually go away after a week or two.

However, in some children, especially infants younger than 6 months of age or those with other health problems, RSV infection is more likely to lead to serious lung diseases such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for RSV virus in children, mainly symptomatic treatment and respiratory support, depending on the condition.respiratory failure Children may need to breathe oxygen through a mask or nasal prongs, or more seriously, may need to breathe NCPAP or a ventilator. Along with respiratory support, children are treated for symptoms, have their nose and throat cleaned, and phlegm removed.

Signs of breathing problems may include:

Nostrils flare
Wheezing
Pause while breathing
Head moves with each breath
Wail
rapid breathing
Blue around lips or fingertips
Abdominal muscles tighten to breathe

Infants with respiratory problems related to RSV need to be hospitalized for monitoring and appropriate treatment. Most infants recover completely within a few days.

How to prevent RSV virus attack in infants

To help protect your baby from an RSV attack, it’s essential to take proactive steps—especially during peak RSV season, which typically occurs in fall and winter. The RSV virus spreads through droplets from coughs, sneezes, or direct contact with contaminated surfaces, making prevention strategies crucial for infant health.

Start by practicing consistent hand hygiene. Ensure everyone handling the baby—including parents, siblings, and visitors—washes their hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when on the go. It’s also important to keep infants away from anyone showing signs of a cold, cough, or fever.

Limit exposure to crowded public spaces where germs are easily transmitted, especially for newborns or premature infants. If outings are necessary, consider using a stroller cover to create a barrier between your infant and the environment. Avoid smoking around infants, as exposure to tobacco smoke can weaken their respiratory defenses.

Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, and crib railings. Breastfeeding can also provide essential antibodies that help strengthen an infant’s immune system, offering added protection against viral infections like RSV.

During RSV season, some high-risk infants may be eligible for preventive treatments like monoclonal antibodies, so it’s wise to speak with your pediatrician about your baby’s individual risk factors. Following these guidelines not only minimizes the chance of RSV infection but also supports overall respiratory health in infants.

By incorporating these RSV prevention tips into your daily routine, you help create a safer environment for your baby’s lungs to grow stronger and stay healthy.