- Home
- What is RSV?
- Reducing your baby's risk of RSV infection
- Infections and your baby
- Journey of the Premature Baby
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Is your baby of Inuit background?
- Did you know?
Treating RSV infection
There is no direct treatment that can cure the RSV infection itself. That's because RSV infection is caused by a virus, which unlike bacterial infections, cannot be treated with antibiotics. That means if your infant is infected with a mild case of RSV, his infection will usually get better on its own, though his doctor may recommend treating symptoms such as fever. A humidifier can also help make breathing easier. If you use a humidifier, be sure to keep it clean.
But some children are at risk for more severe RSV infections which can require hospitalization. If your baby is hospitalized for an RSV infection, he will likely be given an IV to replenish their fluids. He will also likely receive humidified oxygen, or in some cases, may be hooked up to a ventilator to help them breath.
In some cases, your child’s doctor may order an inhaled medication to open the air passages in the lungs and reduce wheezing. In very severe cases, your baby may also be given antiviral medications.

