Home Treatment
When to use home treatment
Most mild to moderate
infections in
otherwise healthy people are like the common cold and can be treated at home.
If your child is older than 12 months of age and is not at risk for
from RSV infection, try home treatment.
But RSV infections in people with an increased risk of complications need close
monitoring.
People who have
need to see a doctor for
cold symptoms because of the increased risk for developing complications.
Also,
babies and children with health problems and other
risk factors, as well as
, should see a doctor at the first sign of RSV.
How to help your child with RSV infection
- Watch for signs of
. Make sure to replace fluids lost through
rapid breathing, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Encourage more frequent breast-
or bottle-feeding. Avoid giving your baby sports drinks, soft drinks, undiluted
fruit juice, or water. These beverages may contain too much sugar, contain too
few calories, or lack the proper balance of essential minerals (electrolytes).
- Make your child more comfortable by helping relieve
his or her symptoms. Sometimes a child may get some relief from medicine, such
as or , or from being kept in an upright position, which
makes breathing easier. Never give aspirin to someone younger than 20 years,
because it can cause
. For more information, see Quick Tips: Giving Over-the-Counter Medicines to Children.
- Antibiotics are not usually
given for viral infections. But if your child develops complications of RSV, such as an
, your doctor may prescribe an
. Do not stop giving antibiotic medicine when your child starts to
feel better. The entire prescription must be taken to completely kill the
bacteria. If you do not give your child all the medicine, the bacterial
infection may return.
- Take care of yourself. Caring for a sick child can be
very tiring physically and emotionally. You can best help your child when you
are rested and feeling well.