Treating RSV in Infants: What Pediatricians Recommend

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory illness in infants and young children. As pediatricians, we prioritize early recognition, compassionate care, and preventing complications. This guide explains everything parents should know—including how to identify RSV, care tips, and when to seek help—from a trusted pediatric perspective.

1. Understanding RSV in Infants

• What is RSV?
  RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild symptoms in older children but can lead to serious lower respiratory tract infections in infants under six months.

• Why it matters in pediatrics:
  Infants have narrower airways and immature immune systems. RSV can escalate to bronchitis or pneumonia, sometimes requiring hospitalization or supplemental oxygen.

2. How RSV Spreads and Who’s at Risk

• Transmission methods:
  RSV spreads through droplets from coughs or sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces like toys and crib rails.

• High-risk groups:
  Infants born prematurely, with chronic lung disease, congenital heart defects, or weakened immunity are at increased risk.

3. RSV Symptoms in Infants

Include:

• Runny nose and congestion

• Coughing and wheezing

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Chest retractions (“belly breathing”)

• Low-grade fever

• Poor feeding or decreased urine output

• Extreme irritability or lethargy

Tip: If symptoms mimic a cold but escalate quickly, it’s time to call the pediatrician.

4. Assessing Severity: Home vs. Medical Care

When Home Care is Enough:

• Mild congestion

• Mild-to-moderate cough

• Normal feeding and hydration

• No breathing distress

When to Contact the Pediatrician Immediately:

• Breathing difficulties or fast breathing

• Chest retractions or flaring nostrils

• Saturation below 92% adults use, but pediatricians assess clinically

• Fever > 100.4°F in infants under 3 months

• Dehydration or poor feeding

Medical Care May Include:

• Oxygen support or suctioning

• Enhanced pediatric evaluation and possible hospitalization

5. Pediatric-Supported Home Care for RSV

• Nasal saline drops & suction: keeps airways clear

• Humidified air: eases breathing

• Comfortable positioning: elevated head for easier breathing

• Hydration nutrition: small frequent feedings

• Over-the-counter fever reducers: as directed by your pediatrician

6. Medications & Interventions

• Limited role for antibiotics: RSV is viral—antibiotics are only for secondary bacterial infections

• Bronchodilators: usually ineffective unless wheezing indicates other conditions

• Ribavirin: rarely used, reserved for high-risk infants

• Palivizumab (Synagis): preventive injections for high-risk infants (born prematurely, with lung/heart conditions)

7. Complications to Watch

Keep an eye on:

• Middle ear infections (linking RSV to bacterial otitis media as in our ear infection guide)

• Pneumonia or bronchitis

• Hospitalization needs

Early monitoring —especially in high-risk infants—helps prevent severe outcomes.

8. When RSV Intersects with Other Illnesses

RSV can coexist with strep throat or influenza. If your baby shows unusual symptoms, a full pediatric evaluation is essential:

• Read more in our influenza guide

• See overlap with strep in older children in our strep throat blog

9. Preventing RSV at Home

• Promote robust hygiene: handwashing, disinfection

• Avoid exposure: limit contact with sick individuals

• Keep infants away from crowded spaces during RSV season

• No smoking in the home—tobacco smoke worsens respiratory health

10. Monitoring Recovery and Follow-Up

• Most infants recover in 1–2 weeks

• Call if symptoms return or caregiver concern arises

• Pediatric checkups for any respiratory recurrence help assess ongoing lung health and development

11. Beyond RSV: Pediatric Guidance for a Healthy Start

Infants who have RSV may be more susceptible to other health issues:

• Respiratory health and future asthma risks

• Nutritional support after illness

• Regular pediatric assessments

• Long-term wellness planning, including immunizations and growth checks

Good pediatric care helps babies not just survive RSV—but thrive afterward.

12. Why Pediatrician Partnership Matters

As pediatricians, we offer:

• Personalized evaluation and risk assessment

• Age-appropriate guidance on fluids, feeding, and care

• Monitoring and expertise in recognizing complications

• Family education and support for stress and rest

• Early connections to specialists for infants who need more care

RSV is common—but in infants, it can be serious. With pediatrician partnership, vigilant care, and nurturing support, parents can help their babies bounce back strongly.

What to do now:

• Keep pediatric contact info handy during RSV season

• Practice prevention—hygiene and minimizing risk exposure

• Echo illness awareness: watch early symptoms

• Seek help promptly if you’re at all worried

Your pediatrician is here for you—through RSV season and the start of a healthy childhood journey.