What are the Symptoms of RSV?⁷

Most of the time, symptoms are similar to that of the common cold or other upper respiratory infections. However, some at-risk infants and children carry an elevated risk of serious complications. Signs to watch for may include one or more of the following symptoms:

Common symptoms:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Coughing
• Mild sore throat
• Earache
• Fever
• A decreased interest in surroundings
• Listlessness and sleepiness
• Irritability and/or restlessness
• Poor appetite
• Apnea, where breathing stops for about 15 to 20 seconds. This usually occurs in babies born prematurely with a history of apnea.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis and/or pneumonia may include:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing
• Progressively worsening cough
• Lethargy, increased tiredness, decreased interest in surroundings, or loss of interest in food.

Call your baby's doctor or healthcare provider right away if you have any concerns about your child's health.

When to Call the Doctor

Most cases of RSV infections are not severe. However, you should call your baby's doctor or healthcare provider right away if you have any concerns about your child's health.

 

⁷Blue Shield of California, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, (accessed 9/4/2008)