Like many parents, we’d heard of RSV, but until both my children were hospitalised with it, we didn’t truly understand just how serious it can be.
Each experience was tough on its own, but the most frightening was when my youngest, only five months old then, ended up in the emergency paediatric centre.
So, to help shed light on RSV and guide parents through what to look out for, we sat down with Dr Jovitra Girubaharan, Consultant Paediatrician at Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre.
Dr Jovitra’s clinical focus includes all paediatric procedures, and she treats a wide range of conditions such as childhood immunisation, childhood and neonatal infections, neonatal jaundice, childhood developmental assessment, childhood asthma and more.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Explained: A Parent’s Guide
How common is RSV among young children?
RSV spreads very easily, with almost every child infected by age two. Most recover well, but some, especially infants, can become quite sick.
When does RSV usually peak in Malaysia?
RSV can appear all year, but it normally peaks from September to December, during the monsoon season.
How does RSV spread?
RSV spreads through coughs, sneezes, or contact with contaminated hands or surfaces. This can often be from adults or older siblings who only show mild cold symptoms.
What symptoms should parents look out for in toddlers aged 2 – 3?
Parents can look out for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, reduced appetite, and tiredness.
What about symptoms in infants below one year?
Fever, cough, nasal congestion, poor feeding or vomiting after coughing, and fast breathing or wheezing are common symptoms for infants below one year old.
When should a parent bring their baby in for medical attention?
If your baby is breathing fast, feeding poorly, or looks unusually tired, bring them in right away. They may need immediate medical attention, and it’s best to let medical professionals do their assessment.
How is RSV treated?
There’s no specific cure; however, most children get better with fluids, rest, fever medicine (as advised), nasal sprays for congestion, and avoiding crowded areas especially during recovery period
Do antibiotics help?
No, antibiotics do not help. It is worth keeping in mind that RSV is viral, so antibiotics won’t help unless there is a separate bacterial infection.
How can parents protect their children from RSV?
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Maternal vaccination: Expectant mothers between 32 and 36 weeks can receive this vaccine to pass protective antibodies to their baby. Maternal vaccination is a safe, effective way to protect your baby early.
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Breastfeeding: Strengthens immunity and reduces severity of the infection.
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Nirsevimab: A single-dose antibody injection that provides up to five months of protection and can reduce RSV-related hospitalisation by more than 60%.
What is your key reassurance to parents?
RSV is common among children, but with awareness and timely care, most recover without complications.
Don’t panic if your child catches RSV, as most recover well. What’s important is recognising the symptoms early and knowing when to seek medical care.
Simple habits like washing hands often, keeping sick family members apart, and avoiding crowded areas during flu season can go a long way in keeping your little one safe.
For Parents Navigating RSV
So, parents, you’ve heard it from Dr Jovitra herself. RSV is common and treatable, and most children recover well with the right care.
What matters most is recognising the symptoms early, staying calm, and reaching out to a doctor when something doesn’t feel right.
You’re doing your best, and with awareness and timely action, you’re giving your child the strongest chance to stay safe and healthy.
Source: Dr Jovitra Girubaharan, Consultant Paediatrician at Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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