At a glance
- A runny nose and cough may be followed by wheezing, faster or harder breathing, and feeding difficulty. Young infants may have poor feeding or low activity without a fever.
- Call your local emergency number for breathing pauses, marked effort to breathe (grunting or the chest pulling in), blue or grey lips or tongue, or a baby who is limp or difficult to wake. Do not delay help to complete this page.
- Contact a clinician promptly for much less feeding, fewer wet diapers or less urine, worsening symptoms, or any concern about breathing. A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even with known RSV.
- Offer smaller, more frequent breast-milk or formula feeds as tolerated. Plain saline nose drops and gentle suction before feeds may help a blocked nose. If breathing prevents feeding, seek medical help rather than trying to force feeds.
- For every sleep, place the baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows or loose bedding. Do not raise the mattress or use an inclined sleeper to treat congestion.
- Very young babies, children born prematurely, and those with heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system may need earlier assessment. Discuss new respiratory symptoms with their clinician promptly.
Symptoms and course
RSV is a virus; bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways, usually in children under 2 years. RSV is a common cause, but other viruses can cause it too.
A runny nose and cough may be followed by wheezing, faster or harder breathing, and feeding difficulty. Young infants may have poor feeding or low activity without a fever.
Symptoms often worsen during the first few days. Bronchiolitis commonly peaks around days 3–5, and the cough can last about 3 weeks. Seek help for deterioration at any time; do not wait for an expected day.
Breathing, feeding and fever warning signs
Call your local emergency number for breathing pauses, marked effort to breathe (grunting or the chest pulling in), blue or grey lips or tongue, or a baby who is limp or difficult to wake. Do not delay help to complete this page.
Contact a clinician promptly for much less feeding, fewer wet diapers or less urine, worsening symptoms, or any concern about breathing. A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even with known RSV.
Very young babies, children born prematurely, and those with heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system may need earlier assessment. Discuss new respiratory symptoms with their clinician promptly.
Supporting a baby at home
Offer smaller, more frequent breast-milk or formula feeds as tolerated. Plain saline nose drops and gentle suction before feeds may help a blocked nose. If breathing prevents feeding, seek medical help rather than trying to force feeds.
For every sleep, place the baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows or loose bedding. Do not raise the mattress or use an inclined sleeper to treat congestion.
Antibiotics do not treat RSV itself. Do not start cough/cold medicines, inhalers or steroids without the child's clinician's advice. Follow the individual plan if another condition, such as asthma, also needs treatment.
Reducing the risk of severe RSV
Wash hands, clean frequently touched surfaces, avoid smoke exposure, and keep people with respiratory symptoms away from the baby when possible.
Protection against severe RSV can come from vaccination during pregnancy or preventive antibodies given to an eligible infant. These prevent severe illness; they do not treat an infection already present. Ask the clinician which option and timing apply under current local guidance.
Observation and follow-up
A log can help explain changes to a clinician, but it cannot confirm RSV, measure oxygen levels or show that a child is safely hydrated. Reassess the child regularly, including overnight, and seek help whenever you are worried.
Common questions
Are RSV and bronchiolitis the same illness?
RSV is a virus; bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways, usually in children under 2 years. RSV is a common cause, but other viruses can cause it too.
When are bronchiolitis symptoms usually worst?
Symptoms often worsen during the first few days. Bronchiolitis commonly peaks around days 3–5, and the cough can last about 3 weeks. Seek help for deterioration at any time; do not wait for an expected day.
How can I help a baby feed with a blocked nose?
Offer smaller, more frequent breast-milk or formula feeds as tolerated. Plain saline nose drops and gentle suction before feeds may help a blocked nose. If breathing prevents feeding, seek medical help rather than trying to force feeds.
Can a baby with RSV sleep on an incline?
For every sleep, place the baby on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface with no pillows or loose bedding. Do not raise the mattress or use an inclined sleeper to treat congestion.
Sources
- CDC — RSV in infants and young children
- AAP — RSV: when it is more than a cold
- NHS — Bronchiolitis
- AAP — Safe sleep with a stuffy nose
- AAP — Bronchiolitis in babies
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.