Hello Families,
We have a second confirmed case of respiratory syncytial virus (also called RSV) in our 601 building
What is RSV?
RSV is a common cause of respiratory illness among individuals in all age groups. Infection usually causes cold symptoms, but often in infants and younger children, RSV infection spreads to the lungs and may lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. Almost all children are infected at least once with RSV by 2 years of age, and reinfection during life is common.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Children and infants who are infected often have a runny nose and a decrease in appetite before any other symptoms appear. A cough usually develops 1 to 3 days later. Soon after a cough develops, sneezing, fever, and wheezing can occur. In very young infants, decreased activity, poor feeding, irritability and breathing problems might be the only symptoms. Most infants and children recover from RSV in 1 to 2 weeks. A very small percentage of children require hospitalization. Adults usually recover from RSV in less than 5 days. Children with weakened immune systems, prematurity, or heart or lung problems have greater difficulty when ill with this infection.
How does a person get RSV?
RSV is highly contagious and can be spread when droplets containing the virus are sneezed or coughed into the air. RSV can live on inanimate objects (such as cribs, door knobs or table tops) for many hours. Infection can be easily spread when a person gets the virus on her/his hands while touching a contaminated object, then touches her/his eyes, nose or mouth.
How long does it take to come down with RSV after a person is exposed?
Symptoms appear in 2 to 8 days (but usually 4 to 6 days) after a child is exposed to the virus.
When is a person with RSV contagious?
A person with RSV can spread the infection for 3 to 8 days or the duration of the illness. In some cases, however, the virus continues to be shed for up to 3 to 4 weeks.
How can I help prevent the spread of RSV?
- Wash hands well and often with soap and water, especially after wiping a nose or touching oral or nasal secretions.
- Clean, rinse and sanitize toys and surfaces regularly at child care (especially mouthed toys).
- Do not expose children to cigarette smoke because it can worsen the symptoms of RSV.
How will the LCLA work to prevent RSV?
- Staff wash hands regularly and help children to do the same after meals, diapers, wiping noses, and many other times as needed.
- Toys are washed and sanitized frequently
- Classrooms are sanitized as a whole at the end of every day.
What is the treatment for RSV?
Contact your child’s healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. There is a lab test for RSV. The illness usually gets better on its own without any treatment.
If my child develops RSV, must s/he stay away from child care?
Children are welcome to return
Where can I get additional information?
Additional information can be found here: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx
