Prevention & Treatment of RSV:
RSV season in the United States
begins in the fall and peaks
during the winter time (CDC, 2023.)
If you have a child that may be high-risk
for developing severe RSV symptoms, consider the following:
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Wash your hands often
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Practice hand hygiene by washing hands for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself and others from germs
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Keep your hands off your face
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
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Cover your coughs and sneezes and follow by washing your hands
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Keep your child away from cigarette smoke
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Avoid close contact with sick people
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Clean and disinfect surfaces
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Droplets that contain germs can stick to surfaces for hours
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Stay home if you are sick
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If possible, stay home to prevent the spread of illness to others (CDC, 2023.)
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Treatment of RSV at home should be supportive therapies such as:
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Nasal Saline with gentle suctioning
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Cool mist humidifier to break up mucus
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Fluids and frequent feedings
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Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for infants older than 6 months of age to help with fevers (always avoid aspirin)
If your child is having difficulty breathing, not consuming enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
