You know the sound: that cough from the baby monitor that catches your ear in the middle of the night. Is it a cold? RSV? Allergies? During cold and flu season, every baby seems to have a runny nose. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) can start out looking exactly like a regular cold, with symptoms like stuffy nose, light cough, low-grade fever. That's why it’s so easy to miss at first. Here’s how RSV compares to other common baby conditions.
Condition | Typical Symptoms | The “Tell” - Watch for These |
Common Cold | Runny nose, mild cough, possible low fever | Symptoms usually stay mild and improve in a few days |
RSV | Cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, irritability | Watch for labored breathing, flaring nostrils, or chest pulling in with breaths |
Allergies | Sneezing, watery eyes, clear runny nose | Rare in babies under 6 months; usually no fever |
Flu | High fever, body aches, chills, fatigue | Comes on suddenly and hits hard |
Teething | Drooling, irritability, mild congestion | No cough or wheezing |
When it’s RSV, here's what to know:
RSV usually peaks around days 3 to 5 of illness. For most babies, it feels like a bad cold and passes with home care. But in young infants (especially under 6 months), it can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation in the small airways) that makes breathing harder.
Call your Pediatrician right away if you notice:
- Fast, shallow, or labored breathing
- Flaring nostrils or grunting with breaths
- Trouble feeding (refusing bottles or nursing less)
- Blue tint around the lips or fingernails
- Dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth)
- These are signs your baby’s working too hard to breathe and needs medical attention.
Caring for a baby with RSV
Most RSV infections can be treated at home with comfort care:
- Use saline drops and a suction bulb to clear nasal congestion.
- Run a cool-mist humidifier near baby’s crib.
- Offer frequent feeds (even small amounts) to prevent dehydration.
- Keep baby upright when possible to make breathing easier.
- Skip over-the-counter cough or cold medicine — they aren’t safe or effective for infants.
There’s now a way to help prevent severe RSV. A one-time antibody injection (called Beyfortus) can protect infants through their first RSV season. Your Ogden Clinic pediatrician can help determine if your baby is eligible.
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If your baby is coughing or congested, you don’t have to panic, but you also don’t have to guess. When something feels “off,” trust your gut and check in with your pediatrician. Even if it’s just a cold, you’ll get peace of mind, which something every parent deserves during sniffle season.
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