As this cold and flu season seems more daunting because of Covid-19, pediatricians worry about another virus that could affect children. This virus is named as RVS and is associated with respiration. It spreads most often from October to April, can mostly affect children under the age of two, and in many cases passes like a cold.
"This is a virus that is quite common," Dr. told TODAY. Rosemary Olivero, head of infectious diseases at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Michigan. "Almost anyone can be infected with RSV, but the populations most affected are our youngest children."
What is RSV?
RSV is a respiratory virus that is spread by touch. Frequent hand washing remains essential to prevent its spread, and experts recommend that parents of children under 2 years of age ask their relatives to wash their hands before touching their babies.
"RSV spreads more easily with dirty hands, " Olivero said. "Hand washing is probably more important than wearing a mask."
Doctors urge people not to hug babies, so it can reduce its spread. Symptoms of RSV In many ways, RSV looks like any other respiratory infection. Mild symptoms include: · Blocked nose · Liquid nose
· Coughing · Coughing
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Fever The most serious symptoms include: · Blockage of the nose so severe that the child can not eat · Rapid breathing · Shortness of breath According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these symptoms usually appear in different stages and not all at once. In young infants, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and difficulty breathing. If children experience breathing problems or their lips turn blue, parents should take them to a pediatrician or emergency room immediately.
