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Common Hospital Treatments for RSV Infection

A child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection who is having difficulty breathing or is dehydrated may need to stay in the hospital and have some of the following treatments:

  • Fluids given through a vein (intravenous, or IV). Extra fluids may be needed if the child is not able to drink enough liquids to help prevent dehydration.
  • Oxygen. The child may be given oxygen by means of a hood, tent, face mask, or nosepiece (nasal cannula) to make breathing easier.
  • Medicines to relax and widen the breathing tubes (bronchodilators). Bronchodilators make it easier to move air in and out of the lungs and are given through a nebulizer or an inhaler with a face mask. But the use of bronchodilators is controversial. Research so far has not shown consistent long-term benefit for most children.
  • Antiviral medicine (ribavirin). This is given in a mist through a hood, tent, or face mask. This medicine may be used for children who have an increased risk of having serious complications from RSV infection. But ribavirin has not shown consistent effectiveness and may make RSV and its complications worse in some people. For these reasons, it is rarely used.
  • Mechanical ventilator. If a child becomes unable to breathe without help, a ventilator may be used. This is very rare. Children who are sick enough to need a ventilator are placed in an intensive care unit.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Revised July 9, 2010

Last Revised: July 9, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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