RSV season 2021: Symptoms in adults and babies, and how to treat the virus

PEORIA — RSV and COVID-19 are sending children to the hospital in Illinois right now.  

What are the differences between the illnesses, and how do parents know when it’s time to get help?

Dr. Teresa Riech, medical director of the pediatric emergency department at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois, provides some insight. 

RSV symptoms in kids and adults

In adults and healthy children, respiratory syncytial virus usually produces symptoms of a common cold: stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough and sometimes fever. However, RSV can be much more serious in young babies, especially premature babies, and kids with diseases that affect the heart, lungs or immune system.

How do I treat RSV at home?

• Remove thick nasal mucous with a bulb syringe or other medical suction device, using saline drops to thin as needed
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the room at night to keep the air moist and make breathing easier
• Provide fluids in small amounts frequently throughout the day
• If fever is present, use non-aspirin fever reducers such as acetaminophen

When should I seek medical help for RSV?

When the child experiences difficulty with breathing that does not improve after the nasal mucous is suctioned out. In young babies, difficulty breathing may look like fast breathing or grunting with the effort to breathe, with muscles under or between the ribs sucking in with each breath.

• If the child experiences excessive sleepiness or won't wake up or stay awake
• If the child has breathing pauses longer than 20 seconds
• If there is difficulty feeding because of fast breathing
• If the child doesn't make wet diapers at least every eight hours

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What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

The presentation of COVID-19 is something doctors continue to learn about, but typically the virus presents with a fever, a dry cough and tiredness. Less common symptoms include aches and pains, sore throat, diarrhea, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, or a skin rash or discoloration of the fingers and toes.

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When should I seek medical attention for a child with COVID-19?

Parents should take a child to the hospital if they experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, have chest pain or pressure, or have loss of speech or movement.