Symptoms
The most common symptoms of RSV in children include:
- Cough: A persistent cough is the most common symptom of RSV.
- Wheezing: Children with RSV may also have wheezing or whistling sounds when they breathe.
- Shortness of breath: Children with RSV may have difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Rapid breathing: Children with RSV may have an increased rate of breathing.
- Fever: A low-grade fever may be present.
- Runny nose: Children may have a runny nose, along with nasal congestion.
Causes
RSV is caused by a virus that is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.