- Runny nose.
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Short periods without breathing (apnea)
- Trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing.
- Wheezing.
- Flaring of the nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing.
- Breathing faster than usual, or trouble breathing.
How do I know if my child has RSV?
Symptoms of RSV usually include common cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, a mild cough, fever, and decreased appetite. For infants younger than 6 months, other symptoms such as irritability, poor feeding, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties may appear.
Can you have RSV and not know it?
Because RSV symptoms resemble those of the common cold (runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, and sometimes a fever), parents and other adults may not realize they are infected with the virus but can still be contagious.
Can a child be tested for RSV?
An RSV test is most often used to check for infections in infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. The test is usually done during the “RSV season,” the time of year when RSV outbreaks are more common.
When should I take my child to the doctor for RSV?
You should also call your doctor if your child: Is dehydrated. Has difficulty breathing. Has gray or blue color to their tongue, lips or skin.
What does RSV cough sound like?
RSV in Infants &, Toddlers
Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.
How long is a child contagious with RSV?
RSV Transmission
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.
What are the first signs of RSV?
- Runny nose.
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Short periods without breathing (apnea)
- Trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing.
- Wheezing.
- Flaring of the nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing.
- Breathing faster than usual, or trouble breathing.
How soon do symptoms of RSV show up?
Symptoms generally begin four to six days after exposure. Symptoms generally develop slowly over a period of several days. The contagious period is usually less than 10 days after symptoms begin, but occasionally is longer.