RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is one of the most common illnesses in babies and infants, and one of the most common reasons they end up in hospital. It usually looks like a common cold, but it can range from mild to severe, and occasionally life-threatening. Knowing the signs early helps you manage it and catch the serious cases before they escalate.
What is RSV?
RSV is a very common virus that causes a range of respiratory tract and lung infections. Most infections happen during the colder months, around autumn and winter. While it often mimics a simple cold, in babies it can lead to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis (an infection of the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia (an infection of the lung itself).
It can affect children and adults too, but it’s babies and infants who are most vulnerable to the serious end of it.
Mild signs
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 8 days after exposure. Mild signs include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
- Mild breathing difficulty
Severe signs, call an ambulance
Call Triple Zero (000) or get to your nearest emergency department immediately if you notice any of these:
- Difficulty breathing, skin sucking in around the ribs and the base of the neck, nasal flaring, and faster breathing
- A grunting noise when breathing
- Lethargy and weakness
- Pale skin
- Blue colour to the lips, nose, or nail beds
- Floppiness
- Signs of dehydration
What to do if your child has RSV
Most mild cases can be managed at home with:
- Plenty of rest
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen for fever and pain relief (check with your pharmacist or GP before giving medication for the first time)
- Regular fluids to stay hydrated
For severe cases, recognising the warning signs early is everything, which is exactly where knowing how to recognise a sick child helps. If your child shows any of the severe signs above, they need to be seen by a medical professional straight away.
The key things to remember
RSV is extremely common and usually mild, but it can turn serious quickly in babies. Watch the breathing closely, faster breathing, grunting, skin sucking in, or any blue colour means call for help without delay.
Our Baby & Child First Aid course helps you recognise the difference between a mild illness and a child who needs urgent care, taught by a frontline paramedic.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the guidance of a qualified health professional. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.