Pediatrician Dr. Ian Suryadi Suteja, M.Med Sc, Sp.A explained the signs or symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) that need to be watched out for in children such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea such as mucus discharge, fever, cough and sometimes difficulty breathing.
"In small children, it can interfere with their breastfeeding or eating process, and their weight usually decreases," said Dr. Ian in a health discussion in Jakarta, Friday.
Ian said RSV infection symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. However, those with risk factors are more susceptible, especially premature babies and babies under 2 years of age, who need to be vigilant.
RSV infection, Ian continued, can be mild, just a cough, runny nose, or a common fever, but it can also be severe, infecting the lungs, requiring oxygen, causing bronchiolitis and even putting you at risk of developing asthma.
"Children under two years old who come in with complaints of coughing, fever, shortness of breath, wheezing when heard with a stethoscope, or if it's severe, their parents might even hear a wheezing sound, like someone with asthma, are almost certainly caused by RSV," he said.
