Medical Minutes: Recognizing respiratory syncytial virus in children

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Each fall and winter, many children come down with RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus. It usually causes mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases it can become serious. 

Laela Martinez, nurse practitioner at Exceptional Community Hospital Yuma, explains why RSV is seen so much in children.

"RSV is a common respiratory virus. For most children, it looks like a runny nose, cough, and mild fever, but infants and toddlers and children with health issues can develop wheezing, difficulty breathing, or dehydration, which may require emergency care," said Martinez.

Martinez adds the most common symptoms parents should be most concerned about.

"Watch for rapid breathing, pulling in at the ribs, flaring nostrils, blue lips or fingertips, refusal to eat or drink, and extreme fatigue. These are signs your child may not be getting enough oxygen and needs to be seen right away," said Martinez.