Does My Baby Have a Cold or Is It RSV?

November 2, 2022

Does My Baby Have a Cold or Is It RSV?

Believe it or not, cold and flu season is here already! It feels like we just powered through the last one with our children, doesn’t it?

Any time your babies or small children are sick it can be scary, especially if they start to exhibit some signs of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

RSV is particularly dangerous in the most vulnerable populations, and that certainly includes infants! Unfortunately RSV and the simple common cold can begin with similar symptoms, so it is crucial to know what warning signs to look out for that indicate RSV.

If you are a new parent or have a small child in your life, read on as our team from AFC Urgent Care Athens, TN explains what serious symptoms to watch for when it comes to RSV.

How Does RSV Develop?

RSV infiltrates the lungs and upper respiratory system. As it settles into the breathing passageways, it can create those pesky cold symptoms like a runny nose, congestion and a mild cough.

Babies who contract RSV may also start to experience those symptoms, but the situation could quickly turn more serious. This is due to the fact that babies have such small airways and breathing passages that make even the smallest amount of irritation or inflammation really dangerous.

Signs of an RSV Infection

Severe cough
Runny nose
Wheezing
High fever

Is RSV Always a Medical Emergency?

Thankfully, no. In some cases, babies who contract RSV will just experience mild symptoms and will recover within a week or so. In other cases, though, babies may have a harder time fighting off the illness and will start to experience trouble breathing.

Any time that you notice that your baby is taking shallow, rapid breaths or has a change in skin color from normal to a pale blue or grayish color, that is considered a medical emergency. It is imperative that you take your baby in immediately to be seen and treated.