CHD Reminding Union County to Watch for Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children
By Garrett Christensen on Monday, December 5th, 2022 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – (Information from the Center for Human Development) As Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continues to cause issues across Oregon, especially among children, the Center for Human Development (CHD) wants Union County residents to stay safe. To stay ahead of illness and prevent unnecessary health complications, the CHD has provided the following information on the symptoms of RSV and how they can affect young children.
Symptoms:
Days 1-2:
What may be happening:
- Baby inhales droplets containing RSV
Symptoms can Include:
- No symptoms
Days 3-5:
What may be happening:
- RS Damages cells in the ear, nose and throat
Symptoms can Include:
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite
Days 6-8:
What may be happening:
- RSV Infects cells deep in the lung
Symptoms can Include:
- Cough
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing and/or grunting noises
- Nasal flaring
- Abnormal chest movement when breathing
If you notice any of the following in your baby, contact their doctor right away
- Short, shallow, and abnormally fast breathing: Look for chest wall retractions. Think of chest wall retractions as “caving-in” of the chest in between and under the ribs.
- Wheezing cough
- Nasal flaring/nostrils spread out with every breath
- Unusually tired or has a blue tint to their lips or fingernails
- Poor feeding
- Fever: 100.4°F / 38°C or higher for a baby younger than 3 months. 102.2°F / 39°C or higher for a baby older than 3 months.
