David M. Brill, D.O.
Family Medicine
Lakewood Hospital

Q: I have a new baby and keep hearing about RSV. What exactly is RSV and how can I prevent it?

A: RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. This is a common virus and more prevalent in the wintertime. RSV predominately affects children from birth to two; however, it can also affect adults and older children, causing mild upper respiratory infections. The symptoms of RSV can be broken down into two categories: mild and moderate to severe. In the mild stage, symptoms usually include a fever, cough and cold symptoms. It may even cause an ear infection. In the moderate to severe stage, patients develop a worsening cough, chest congestion and typically, the doctor will hear noises in the lungs, referred to as rales or rhonchi. This could cause wheezing or shortness of breath, even as severe as hypoxia, which is a lowered oxygen state.

If your child develops any of these latter symptoms, he would need to be seen immediately by a doctor. The treatment for mild RSV is symptomatic treatment with over-the-counter medications, fluids, rest, etc. However, should the symptoms become severe, a doctor may recommend inpatient hospitalization with oxygen, medicines used to open the lungs and close monitoring. The treatment is supportive. Because RSV is not a bacterial infection, antibiotics will not help, and may make matters worse. Outpatient lab tests are infrequently ordered. However, sometimes your doctor will order a nasal RSV test for confirmation.

In attempt to avoid most viruses in children, it’s best to wash their hands frequently, have them drink plenty of fluids, encourage plenty of sleep and maintain good dietary habits.

Dr. Brill has provided expert care to the Westshore communities for more than 20 years. He is board-certified in family medicine and believes in treating the whole person of all ages, from birth to older adults. Special interests include preventive care and disease prevention. His office Lakewood Medical Associates, Beachcliff, is located at 19324 Detroit Avenue in Rocky River.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brill or any of the physicians at Lakewood Medical Associates, Beachcliff, call 440.356.3640.

For more information, visit lakewoodhospital.org/beachcliff.