GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – If you’re a parent of an infant or toddler you’ve likely heard of RSV. It stands for respiratory syncytial virus and doctors at Prevea Health Centers around Green Bay are seeing more cases of it.
Dr. Josh Rankin with Prevea Pediatrics says you should be on the lookout for these symptoms.
“Significant nasal congestion, copious amounts of secretions coming from the nose, and lots of cough…the cough is usually wet sounding, and sometimes can invoke difficulty breathing.”
It can be scary for parents not knowing if you’re child has this potentially dangerous virus or if it’s just a typical cold. Rankin says there are symptoms to keep in mind before taking them to a professional.
“For children who are greater than three months of age, if you have a fever greater than 101, lasting for greater than 48 to 72 hours, it’s at that point you should consider bringing in your child.”
Rankin says the same applies if your child is less than 3 months and their temperature is greater than 100.4.
Cases of the respiratory virus, that affects infants and toddlers, is at its peak right now and it may take a while to fully recover. Rankin says you could have 48 to 72 hours of fever that’s usually greater than 100. Typically day 3 or 4 of the illness is the worst.
The best things you can do for this illness is keep your child hydrated and clean out as much secretions as possible from the nasal cavity.
Dr. Rankin suggests using the NoseFrida which you can find in department stores or online.
If you have questions or concerns about RSV or other medical problems, Prevea offers a service called Prevea Care After Hours 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. That number to call is 920-496-4700.
