Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) triggers infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, with a particular vulnerability for infants 12 months and younger. While there are methods to manage the complication, adults must ensure that affected infants receive prompt and appropriate care. The ideal way to determine if the infant has RSV is to learn more about the signs of RSV to identify and address it effectively.

Signs of RSV in infants
RSV may appear about four to six days after a child is exposed to it. Infected infants may show various signs, including a cough, short and rapid breathing, and poor feeding. Some babies may also show signs of tiredness, while others might exhibit difficulty breathing.

Managing RSV in infants
Parents or caregivers must ensure they only follow remedies for infants after consultation with a healthcare professional. The first step in addressing RSV is to comfort the infant or distract them from their condition. One can do this by playing a quiet game or even reading them a book. Once the baby is comfortable, one could try a few at-home remedies.

1. Avoid exposure to polluted environments
Experts recommend staying away from polluted environments as breathing in such an atmosphere may worsen an infant’s symptoms.

2. Hydrate with fluids
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding should continue as normal even when the child has RSV. The process may help loosen thickened secretions and ease the infant’s symptoms.

3. Limit germ exposure
Limiting exposure to germs is necessary to minimize the risk of further infection or prevent RSV onset. Avoiding large crowds, particularly during flu season, or keeping infants away from unwell children are ways to prevent contracting RSV. One should also clean surfaces at home, like doorknobs, with a disinfectant, which may help curb the spread of germs.

4. Create a warm environment
Adults can create a warm and cozy environment at home to help alleviate the infant’s symptoms. One must also ensure the air isn’t too warm, to prevent overheating. If the indoor air is dry, using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can help add moisture to the air and relieve symptoms like cough or congestion.