If your child develops shortness of breath, blue-tinted lips or skin or becomes lethargic, you’re urged to call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room by Pettis County Health Center officials.

Officials say Respiratory Syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than one year of age in the United States.

Health officials say to help prevent RSV infection, several steps are encouraged:
· Do not allow anyone with a respiratory illness to come in close contact with your infant
· Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your elbow
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand-sanitizer
· Avoid close contact such as kissing, shaking hands, or sharing cups/eating utensils
· Clean surfaces that are frequently touched often such as door knobs, counters, cell phones and light switches. This virus can stay on surfaces and be spread to the next person who touches the area.

For specific concerns regarding your child, contact your child’s health care provider. Additional information on RSV is available on the CDC’s website or by calling the Pettis County Health Center at (660) 827-1130.

For more information, visit <https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html>.