What is RSV and why does my baby have to go into hospital?
RSV is Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is one of the most important causes of lower respiratory illness in infants and young children. It also causes both mild and serious respiratory diseases in older children and adults. A person with a first RSV infection can develop severe breathing problems that need to be managed in the hospital. RSV infections in premature babies less than 6 months old and in infants with chronic lung, heart, or immune problems are most likely to be severe and can lead to death and this is the reason that your baby requires specialist medical attention in hospital. Most people with mild RSV infections usually get better without treatment. Care of patients with mild illness centres on relieving symptoms and easing breathing. Those with more serious infections are sometimes treated in the hospital with anti-virus drugs. Some hospitalised patients need intensive care and mechanical ventilation (respirator).
