Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Kids
Ray Smith
/ Categories: 2022, 2022

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Kids

Here at SVMC and the surrounding area, we are seeing the expected annual increase in pediatric respiratory illnesses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV), influenza, COVID, and rhinoviruses in children. Many places across the country are experiencing a big spike in RSV and other respiratory illnesses among kids and we expect the same.

As parents and caregivers, here’s some helpful information:

  • RSV causes cold-like symptoms similar to many other viruses, including fever, cough, and runny nose.
  • RSV can be more severe in certain patients, particularly those who are under 3 months old, are premature or have underlying conditions affecting their immune system or heart defects. These children may be more likely to be hospitalized but less than 5% of all children with RSV require hospitalization.
  • Avoid visits to the doctor or emergency department, unless your child has concerning symptoms such as trouble breathing or drinking. Some parents expect to get tested in the same way we used to test for COVID, but testing is not indicated in most cases, because the outcome doesn’t affect the treatment plan.
  • There are no treatments for RSV but some children may benefit from asthma type treatments such as nebulizers or inhalers. This is a small portion and this is not needed for most kids.
  • There are no home medications for RSV in children, but there are many things you can do to make your child more comfortable. Over the counter (OTC) cough medications are not recommended for children under 6 years of age. There are some non-medicated “herbal” over the counter medications for younger children but these have not been sufficiently studied for broad recommendation and are unlikely to make a significant difference in symptoms.
  • Rest, good hydration, nasal suction, cool mist vaporizer, honey (for children over 1 years old), and steam baths can help relieve cough and congestion.
  • If your child is experiencing severe symptoms (significant discomfort, prolonged symptoms), call your pediatrician’s office and don’t hesitate to bring them to the emergency department if they are having difficulty breathing or staying hydrating.
  • To minimize the effects of other illnesses, we recommend that parents vaccinate their children who are 6 months and older against the flu and COVID. Children 5 and older who have been previously vaccinated against COVID are now recommended to get the bivalent (“updated”) booster against COVID which can be done at the SVMC COVID Resource Center.
  • Stay away from sick people, particularly infants, away from sick people. American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations are to keep your child at home from school and all other activities when the child has a fever or acute sick symptoms interfering with play/participation.

RSV can be scary but most children can get through it without significant problems and back to play within a week!

Meghan Gunn, MD, is a pediatrician at SVMC Pediatrics and the chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

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Congratulations to SVMC's Graduates

As families around the region celebrate their graduates, SVMC is celebrating those who work here. We spoke with a few of our new registered nurses (RN) to see what it’s like to join the SVMC team at this unusual time in history.

Kelly Dobbert, RN
Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Southern Vermont College and Castleton University
"Achieving this accomplishment during this time is certainly a unique situation… but an interesting time to come into the field. Even though there is a lot of uncertainty, I am very excited to be a part of the SVHC team!"

Katherine Doucette, RN
Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Castleton University
"Graduating during a pandemic certainly has been interesting, but at the same time, it has provided the opportunity for a lot of unique memories! Our nursing pinning was virtual… and even though we didn’t have a graduation, we had cake and cupcakes in the Emergency Department on the night it was supposed to happen. Transitioning to my new role has been exciting, despite all that is going on, and I am looking forward to all that is to come!"

Meghan Jutras, RN
Associate's Degree in Nursing, Vermont Technical College
SVMC employee since 2014
"While it has been a stressful time to be a new graduate and finishing school during a pandemic, it has also been rewarding. It has given me a sense of how important it is to be flexible and goal oriented. I am thankful for the exceptional support from my co-workers and providers in the OB/GYN office. They have gone above and beyond throughout this journey. I plan to start my bachelor’s in Nursing in the fall."

Makayla Sonnet, RN
Associate's Degree in Nursing, Vermont Technical College
"Obtaining a nursing degree during this particular moment in history brought about many challenges and added stress. I am thankful that the amazing professors at Vermont Technical College were able to support my classmates and me in the transition to online learning. I am excited and grateful to be starting my nursing career in the Intensive Care Unit at SVMC."

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