RSV in Children: “Looks like a cold, but not so harmless”

Guide for parents — Thonburi Trang Hospital

Meta title (≤60): RSV in Children: Symptoms, Risks & Prevention | Thonburi Trang
Meta description (≤160): Understand RSV in infants and young kids: common symptoms, red-flag signs, home care, prevention, and when to see a pediatrician at Thonburi Trang Hospital. Call 075-215-215.
Focus keyphrase: rsv children trang
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Quick overview

One sneeze and the whole house panics—sounds familiar? In the cooler/rainy season, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) spreads easily in daycare and schools. It can start like a common cold but may progress to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, especially in babies and high-risk children.

What is RSV?

A respiratory virus spread by droplets and contaminated surfaces. Older kids often recover at home, but severity increases in:

• Infants (<12 months)

• Premature babies

• Children with chronic heart/lung disease

• Children with weak immune systems

Common symptoms

• Fever, runny nose, cough with thick phlegm

• Fast breathing, wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound)

• Poor feeding, irritability, fatigue

• In young infants: pauses in breathing or bluish lips/fingertips

Red-flag signs (seek medical care now)

• Rapid breathing, chest retractions, flaring nostrils

• Persistent high fever (>39°C) for 2–3 days or febrile seizure

• Lethargy, refusal to drink, no urine >8 hours (dehydration)

• Bluish lips/skin or breathing stops in spells

Rule of thumb: If your gut says “this isn’t right,” see a doctor.

Home care: do’s & don’ts

Do

• Control fever and keep the child comfortable (paracetamol/acetaminophen by weight, as advised by a clinician)

• Offer fluids or breast milk frequently; small amounts, more often

• Nasal saline rinse/suction to ease breathing and feeding

• Keep air well-ventilated; avoid all smoke exposure

Avoid

• Antibiotics unless prescribed (RSV is viral)

• Multi-ingredient cough/flu syrups in young children without medical advice

• Sharing cups/towels; RSV spreads fast within households

Prevention at home & school

• Frequent handwashing; wipe toys, doorknobs, and high-touch surfaces

• Teach cough/sneeze etiquette and immediate tissue disposal

• Avoid crowded spaces for babies during peak season

• Breastfeeding supports immunity

• Caregivers who are unwell should wear a mask and skip the cheek kisses (love can wait a few days)

RSV vs. flu vs. COVID-19 (at a glance)

• RSV: heavy cough, sticky phlegm, wheeze; breathing difficulty more common in infants

• Influenza: sudden high fever, body aches

• COVID-19: broad range of symptoms; loss of smell/taste in some cases
  Testing and clinical assessment help confirm the cause.

Proactive protection (talk to your pediatrician)

Depending on eligibility and national availability, options may include maternal vaccination (during pregnancy) and long-acting monoclonal antibodies for high-risk infants to reduce severe RSV disease. Discuss current options and timing in Thailand with your doctor.

When to come to Thonburi Trang Hospital

• Any red-flag signs above

• Fever >48–72 hours, poor intake, or worsening cough/wheeze

• Any fever/respiratory symptoms in infants under 3 months

• Whenever parents are uncertain and want a professional check

What we provide: pediatric assessment, oxygen level monitoring, nebulization if needed, hydration support, targeted tests/imaging when indicated, and clear home-care instructions.

FAQs

How long is a child contagious?
Typically from symptom onset for 3–8 days; infants can shed longer. Separate personal items and clean surfaces.

Does every child with RSV need hospitalization?
No. It depends on age, oxygen level, feeding and breathing status. Doctors admit children who meet risk or severity criteria.

Do antibiotics help?
No—unless there’s a bacterial complication, which a doctor will diagnose.

When are inhaled bronchodilators used?
Only in selected children with wheeze/airway spasm if clinically beneficial.

Night cough won’t stop—any tips?
Nasal saline before sleep, slight head elevation, adequate fluids, and a comfortably humid environment. If breathing is fast, with chest retractions or the child is unusually sleepy—come in immediately.

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Thonburi Trang Hospital (THG)
Phone: 075-215-215 • Line/FB: @THONBURITRANG
Open 24/7 • Pediatric Clinic daily
Location: Mueang Trang (add Google Maps embed on page)

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