To help your child feel more comfortable, begin by doing what you would for any bad cold:

Nasal saline with gentle suctioning to allow easier breathing and feeding.

Cool-mist humidifier to help break up mucus and allow easier breathing.

Fluids & frequent feedings. Make sure your child is staying hydrated. Infants with a common cold may feed more slowly or not feel like eating because they are having trouble breathing. Try to section baby's nose before trying to breast or bottle-feed. Supplementing with water or formula is unnecessary for breastfed babies. If difficult for the baby to feed at the breast, expressing breastmilk into a cup or bottle may be an option.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if older than 6 months) to help with low-grade fevers. Always avoid aspirin and cough and cold medications

How can you protect your children from RSV?
Wash your hands! Just as you would to prevent germs at any time, use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remind children to practice good hand hygiene all through the year.

Other ways to help prevent RSV

Vaccinate : Keep your children up to date on their immunizations and get the whole family annual flu shots. Getting vaccinated with Tdap―to protect against whooping cough is especially important for adults who are around infant—new parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, etc. Your child should also be immunized against COVID-19.

Limit your baby's exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with colds. Keep them home from school or child care when they are sick and teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes.

Go germ-free: Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly and avoid exposing your child to smoke from tobacco or other substances

Feed your baby breastmilk: It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections

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