Red Flags & When to Go In Person for RSV (Suspected) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that often causes mild cold-like symptoms in children. However, RSV can sometimes lead to more serious breathing problems, especially in infants and young children. This guide helps parents and caregivers recognize red flags that mean a child with suspected RSV needs in-person medical care. It also explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for RSV, how to prepare for a telemedicine visit, and what to expect afterward. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your child shows signs of difficulty breathing, dehydration, or other serious symptoms, seek in-person care promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing such as fast, labored breathing or chest retractions — go to emergency care immediately.
• Blue or gray color around lips or face — seek emergency medical attention right away.
• Signs of dehydration like no urination for 6 hours, dry mouth, or extreme sleepiness — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild RSV symptoms and advising on home care.
• Providing education about RSV and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or lung function tests.
• Measuring oxygen levels or vital signs directly.
• Providing emergency treatments or hospitalization.

What is RSV and Who is at Risk?

RSV is a virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It is very common in young children, especially those under 2 years old. Most children recover without problems, but RSV can cause bronchiolitis or pneumonia in some cases. Babies born prematurely, with heart or lung conditions, or weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

Common Symptoms of RSV

Children with RSV often have symptoms similar to a cold: runny nose, cough, mild fever, and sometimes wheezing. These symptoms usually appear 4 to 6 days after exposure. Most children improve within 1 to 2 weeks with rest and fluids.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Watch closely for signs that your child needs urgent medical attention:

If you notice any of these, take your child to a healthcare facility immediately.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, oxygen level checks, or emergency treatments.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and when they started.
• Note any changes in breathing, feeding, or behavior.
• List any medications your child is taking.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider's instructions for symptom management.
• Watch for any worsening of symptoms or new red flags.
• Keep your child hydrated and rested.
• Schedule follow-up care if recommended.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags appear.

FAQs

What is RSV and how does it spread?

RSV is a virus that causes respiratory infections, especially in young children. It spreads through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces with the virus and then touching the face.

Can RSV be treated at home?

Most mild RSV cases can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and fever reducers. However, close monitoring is important to catch any worsening symptoms.

When should I take my child to the hospital?

Seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, is unusually sleepy, or shows signs of dehydration such as not urinating for 6 hours.

Can telemedicine diagnose RSV?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and advise on care but cannot definitively diagnose RSV without lab tests and physical exams.

How can I prevent RSV?

Good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and cleaning surfaces can help reduce the risk of RSV infection.

Sources

1. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. RSV Infection in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.