You can help your child who is infected with
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection be more
comfortable by trying the following:
- Give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen
to help control a high fever. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20
years of age, because it can cause
Reye's syndrome.
- Keep your child away from
people who smoke. Smoke irritates the breathing tubes and slows
healing.
- Keep your baby or child in an upright position. Place the
child in a car seat or infant seat. This may make it easier for the child to
breathe and sleep. Place extra pillows under the upper half of an older child's
body, or raise the head of the bed by putting wood blocks under the bed
frame.
- Use
saline nose drops and an
aspirating bulb to clear your baby's nose. You may
need to suction your baby's nose if he or she is unable to breathe well enough
to eat or sleep.
- If your child is having difficulty breathing or
symptoms are getting worse, contact a doctor.
