Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common illness that most children get at least once before the age of 2. This respiratory virus infects the nose, throat, lungs, and breathing passages. Common symptoms of RSV are runny nose, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and fever. We are going to share with you a few tips and tricks for taking care of your little ones that have RSV this holiday season.
1. Utilize a Cool Mist Humidifier
- A cool mist humidifier can keep the air moist and help loosen the mucus, making it easier to breathe.
2. Make them Comfortable
- One thing that everyone wants when they are sick is to be comfortable. It is important to let them sleep as much as possible, and it may be helpful to keep their door open so you can hear them and check on them consistently.
3. Offer Fluids Frequently
- Young children may not want to drink a lot of fluids at once, so offering fluids in small amounts frequently while they are sick will help them stay hydrated and get better faster.
4. Clean Out Their Nose
- Try using nasal saline and bulb syringe to gently suction and clear out their nasal passages. This allows for easier breathing and feeding.
5. Try Using Honey
- If your child is at least one year old, you could try giving them honey to help reduce their coughing. Honey has been shown to provide relief for a cough and could be an alternative option to over-the-counter medications.
It is important to monitor and check on your little ones when they are sick from RSV. Sometimes in infants, hospitalization may be required to give them oxygen to assist with their breathing and an IV for fluids. Usually, if hospitalization occurs, they are only there for a few days. For more information on signs and symptoms here is a resource from the CDC. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about our respiratory services at PulseAir, contact our team today!