What can I feed my child with RSV?

What if my child has RSV and won't eat?

“RSV can make kids very dehydrated, especially when they're not eating or drinking, especially when we're talking infants,” Mora said. “Once they stop eating or their urine output has decreased, they're not having as many wet diapers, this is a sign they may have to go to the pediatrician or emergency department.”

Can you give milk with RSV?

Breastfeeding babies should continue to breastfeed if they become ill with RSV. Research has shown that they will recover faster, they will need less oxygen therapy, and the antibodies in human milk will protect them and aid in healing.

Can you give anything for RSV?

Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to reduce fever. (Never give aspirin to a child.) Use of nasal saline drops and suctioning may help clear a stuffy nose.

Are popsicles good for RSV?

How is RSV Treated? Antibiotics will not help because RSV is a virus. Put a cool mist vaporizer by your child's bed. Have your child drink lots of clear liquids like water, Kool-Aid®, Popsicles® or Pedialyte®.

Treating your child with RSV at home

What soothes RSV?

Take steps to relieve symptoms

Manage fever and pain with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Never give aspirin to children.) Drink enough fluids. It is important for people with RSV infection to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration (loss of body fluids).

What should you not do with RSV?

How do you soothe a child with RSV?

What day does RSV peak?

RSV symptoms typically peak on days 3 through 5 after infection. Fortunately, almost all children recover from an RSV infection on their own.

How do you beat RSV fast?

Can I be around my baby if I have RSV?

Parents and other adults can easily infect young children with RSV. 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.

How do you prevent RSV from getting worse?

How long are you contagious with RSV?

People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. 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 can you eat when sick with RSV?

Steer clear of rich, fried, greasy foods and lean toward simple starches such as rice and noodles as these are easy on the stomach. Try bananas, rice, applesauce or toast if they are a bit queasy. If you can get in some vegetables – go for it, but focus more on getting them nourished!

How long does decreased appetite last with RSV?

In infants less than 6 months old, symptoms may include irritability, decreased activity, decreased appetite and breathing issues. RSV typically clears up on its own after a week or two.

Should I take my child to the ER for RSV?

Seek immediate medical attention or go to the nearest emergency department if you or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection has: Difficulty breathing. High fever. Bluish color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds.

Does RSV get better before it gets worse?

Some may be sick for only a few days, others for one to two weeks. But we typically see cases of RSV get worse before they get better (just like the common cold). If a child is diagnosed on Day 2, mostly likely the virus will get worse before it gets better.

Can kids get RSV twice?

Most children get RSV infection by age 2, but you can get infected at any age and more than once in your lifetime. The symptoms are usually similar to the common cold.

When should I take my baby to the ER for RSV?

Is cold air good for RSV?

A significant number of patients have recurrent episodes of bronchiolitis and wheezing, and may develop asthma later in life. Avoidance of exposure to tobacco smoke, cold air and air pollutants is also beneficial to long-term recovery from RSV bronchiolitis.

How should you sleep with RSV?

Just like any virus, rest is vital for recovery from RSV, particularly for babies and children. It is recommended that infants should sleep in a reclined position if possible. You can create this sleeping environment by putting a pillow or thick blanket underneath the cot mattress.

How do I get mucus out of my baby's chest?

Gentle taps on your baby's back can help ease chest congestion. Lay them down across your knees and gently pat their back with your cupped hand. Or do it while they sit on your lap with their body leading forward about 30 degrees. It loosens mucus in the chest and makes it easier for them to cough it up.

Should I be around someone with RSV?

Similar to precautions someone would take if they had the flu or COVID-19, people with RSV are contagious and should stay home and away from other people to avoid spreading the virus. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands as this is how germs spread.

Do you sleep a lot with RSV?

Children with bronchiolitis don't sleep well due to stuffy nose and cough causing frequent nighttime wake ups. Your child's snot can feel like a constant faucet. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do as parents or doctors to make it better.

Do kids need to stay home with RSV?

Whether it's the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, you should keep your child home to recover and prevent others around your child from getting sick.