Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV: Description and Epidemiology

RSV: The Facts

Parent Letter

JHH Specific RSV Information

What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)?
RSV is a highly contagious virus that causes a child to have a cough, wheezing, fever, and sometimes trouble breathing. It is the most important cause of bronchiolotis and pneumonia in infants.

What are some signs and symptoms?
In infants less than 3 months old, respiratory signs are minimal. The child may be lethargic, irritable, and have problems eating and sleeping. In older infant or child may be coughing, wheezing, have nasal secretions, or trouble breathing.

What can I do to help the spread of RSV?
While your child is in the hospital, he or she will be on "Pediatric Droplet Precautions" to prevent this illness from spreading to others in the hospital. Any staff member entering your child's room should wear gloves. When a healthcare worker has contact with your child they should put on a gown and mask. If someone should forget this protective attire, feel free to remind them to follow "Pedicatric Droplet Precautions." IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU WASH YOUR HANDS THOROUGHLY WHEN YOU ENTER AND LEAVE YOUR CHILD'S ROOM. Handwashing, after any contact with your child's respiratory secretions, is necessary to prevent spread of the virus. Using the Purell® alcohol based hand sanitizer is equally effective as handwashing.

Where can I get more information about RSV?

• Talk to your doctor or nurse.
• Call The Johns Hopkins Hospital: Hospital Epidemiology/ Infection Control Department, (410) 955-8384.
• Look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov

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