Common Illnesses

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is common respiratory virus that infects almost all children by age 2. For most, causes mild cold. For some (especially under 6 months), can cause bronchiolitis - serious lung infection.

Symptoms start like cold: runny nose, cough, fever. Then: rapid breathing, wheezing, retractions (skin pulling between ribs), decreased eating, lethargy.

RSV season: October-March. Most dangerous for premature babies and those with heart/lung conditions.

What to Do

Watch breathing closely - count breaths per minute (normal: 30-60 for babies)
Look for signs of respiratory distress: flaring nostrils, retractions, grunting
Keep baby upright or elevated to help breathing
Use humidifier and saline drops to help clear congestion
Offer small frequent feedings - may need to feed every 1-2 hours
Monitor for dehydration - count wet diapers (need 4-6 per day minimum)
NO cold medicines - they don't help RSV and can be dangerous
Most babies recover at home in 1-2 weeks, but some need hospitalization
Prevent RSV: Wash hands frequently, avoid crowds during RSV season, keep away from sick people
High-risk babies may qualify for Synagis injection (monthly during RSV season)

When to call a doctor

Call doctor immediately if baby has difficulty breathing, breathing >60 times/minute, blue lips/face, dehydration signs (no wet diapers 8+ hours), or refuses to eat. Go to ER if severe breathing difficulty.

Trusted Sources

More from Common Illnesses

View all

Common Illnesses

Blocked Tear Duct (Dacryostenosis)

Blocked tear duct affects 5-20% of newborns. Tear duct (connects inner eye corner to nose) doesn't open fully at birth, causing tears and discharge. Symptoms: watery eyes (tearing without crying), yellow/white discharge in eye corner, crusting on eyelashes (especially after sleep), mildly red or pink eye white. Usually affects one eye but can be both. Most blocked tear ducts open on their own by 12 months. Different from pink eye - discharge is white/yellow (not green), eye white is not very red, and baby seems comfortable.

Common Illnesses

Colds & Congestion

Babies get 6-10 colds in first year as immune system develops. Symptoms: runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, mild cough, low fever (<102°F), fussiness, trouble sleeping. Colds are viral - antibiotics won't help. Most resolve in 7-10 days. NO cold medications for babies under 2 years (dangerous side effects). Congestion makes feeding difficult since babies can't breathe through mouth while nursing.

Common Illnesses

Croup (Barking Cough)

Croup is viral infection causing swelling around voice box and windpipe. Symptoms: Distinctive barking cough (sounds like seal), hoarse voice, stridor (high-pitched squeaking when breathing in), trouble breathing (worse at night). Most common in fall/winter. Typically lasts 3-7 days. Starts with cold symptoms, then barking cough develops on day 2-3. Worse at night. Scary but usually mild. Caused by parainfluenza virus. Most common in babies 6 months to 3 years.