Know the Signs of RSV in Your Child
In the last month, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have been rising in Wisconsin and continue to grow. RSV can be especially dangerous for some infants and young children with an estimated 58,000 children under the age of 5 years hospitalized in the United States each year.
Most cases of RSV in children will cause a mild, cold-like illness that is self-limited, improving over a week or so on its own. But in some children – especially those under 2 years old and those with lung conditions – the condition can become more severe and need medical evaluation. Common symptoms of RSV include:
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Difficulty eating, drinking or swallowing
- Difficulty breathing, breathing faster than usual, or short periods without breathing (apnea)
- Flaring of the nostrils or straining of the chest or stomach while breathing
- Turning blue around the lips and fingertips
How Pivotal Health Can Help
Most RSV infections go away on their own within a week or two. If your child’s symptoms persist, a Pivotal Health clinician can come to your home and do a complete examination with on-the-spot RSV testing that provides a diagnosis within minutes. If pneumonia is suspected, Pivotal Health can arrange for x-rays to be performed right in your home. Our clinician will create an effective treatment plan and review it carefully with you. If an infection is found, the clinician can prescribe the necessary antibiotics. If antibiotics are not indicated, the clinician can help with pain control, congestion, and cough relief and provide intravenous fluids (IV) for cases of severe dehydration.
Pivotal Health is here to give your child the medical care they need without the hassle of traveling to the clinic and risking exposure to more illnesses. Our housecalls are covered by health insurance, with no extra cost or fees
Schedule an urgent care house call for your child by downloading the Pivotal Health app for iOS or Android or by calling 888-688-4746.
