What Is The Treatment For RSV In Infants And Adults?
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common virus infecting the respiratory system of children and immunocompromised adults. The virus is so prevalent that almost everyone gets infected by it by the time they are two years old.
RSV in adults and older children is not life-threatening. It is mild and resembles a common cold. However, in young children below the age of 12 months or adults with weakened immunity, the virus can spread to the lower respiratory tract causing a severe infection that can cause complications like pneumonia or bronchitis needing urgent treatment.
Sunrise Urgent Care Center offers immediate care for adults and children with severe RSV symptoms. Our experienced doctors ensure that you are taken care of when you need it the most.
Treatment Of RSV
The treatment of RSV can vary depending on the severity of the infection. The remedy aims to provide symptomatic relief for children and adults with mild upper respiratory tract involvement. In such cases, self-care measures are enough to make the patient comfortable (supportive care).
I the infection is severe, especially in infants and older adults with other comorbid conditions, urgent care in Houston, TX, might be needed.
Caring at Home
Your doctor might prescribe over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce the fever and body aches. Infants experiencing nasal congestion can benefit from nasal saline drops and suctioning. Your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics if they suspect complications like bacterial pneumonia.
Offer your child or infant plenty of fluids and keep an eye on dehydration symptoms like sunken eyes, dry lips, decreased urination, sleeplessness, and fatigue.
Most young children and adults will recover within a few days with supportive care alone. Symptoms like difficulty breathing, cyanosis, or extreme weakness, can indicate complications like bronchitis or pneumonia. If your child shows these symptoms, you should contact Sunrise Urgent Care Center in Houston, TX, for emergency care.
Hospital Care
RSV treatment in infants showing signs of pneumonia or bronchitis might need urgent care to prevent further complications. The pneumonia RSV treatment in Houston, TX, includes:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration
- Humidified oxygen if signs of labored breathing or cyanosis are present
- In rare cases, mechanical ventilation or a breathing machine might also be need
With timely care and treatment, hospitalization should last a few days before your child recovers.
Children below 12 months or adults with comorbid conditions like heart or lung disease are more likely to develop RSV-related complications. If your child was born prematurely or has other health conditions, they might be at a higher risk.
High-risk patients must receive urgent medical attention in a facility like Sunrise Urgent Care Center if symptoms of troubled breathing are present. Waiting too long might result in complications like pneumonia, which can be more difficult to treat, especially in infants.
Please visit Sunrise Urgent Care Center, Houston, TX, for 24/7 urgent care near you.