When your 5-month-old comes down with a cold or shows symptoms of illness, finding the cause of the problem is a priority. RSV -- or respiratory syncytial virus -- is a serious condition that affects the breathing passages and lungs. A child in his first year of life is at high risk of complications. Look for signs and symptoms of RSV and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Malaise
With RSV, your 5-month-old may begin to exhibit signs of feeling sick or achy -- somewhat similar to having a cold. When she feels tired and run down, your doctor may refer to it as being general malaise or a feeling of overall discomfort or illness. Malaise may be an early indicator that your child is sick and developing RSV. She may also feel tired and lethargic and have drained energy levels. If she begins to cough, sneeze and have a runny nose, she may be carrying the respiratory syncytial virus.
Headache
Headaches or a pain and throbbing in the head could be an indication of RSV. RSV -- which can be contracted from any contaminated surface like a doorknob or toy -- is highly contagious. The headache -- an early symptom -- generally is dull but can make your child appear uncomfortable. Because your 5-month-old cannot tell you how he feels, he may show it by rubbing his head or his eyes.
Fever
Fever is a sign of RSV that you can determine by touch. If your child feels warm or hot to the touch, it may be an indication of RSV. She may also have reddened skin and eyes. With RSV, fever temperatures can be high -- often more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid treating the fever with aspirin and other over-the-counter medications without first consulting with your pediatrician. Fever can also be the sign of an infection or complication resulting from RSV. The American Lung Association explains that up to 2 percent of infants with RSV require hospitalization to treat serious symptoms like fever.
Complications
In most cases, everyone who meets RSV, including your 5-month-old, should fight off symptoms without complications. However, in some cases, RSV can be more serious. Cleveland Clinic explains that infants are highly susceptible to complications from RSV because of their developing immune system. If your infant was born prematurely or has an underlying health problem, he is at higher risk for complications. Complications may include lower respiratory infection, pneumonia and bronchitis, which may require specialized care including hospitalization.
