How to Treat a Baby's Runny Nose

 someone with COVID-19, you should get tested to find out if you have it, too. Additionally, if you are concerned about any of your baby's symptoms, you should get in touch with a health care provider.

RSV and Croup Symptoms in Babies and Children

If your child has been infected with something more serious, such as RSV, there are other symptoms to look out for. 

“We can typically tell if a child has a more serious infection if they are breathing abnormally or have prolonged copious congestion, cough, or fever,” says Dr. Wawrin. “RSV tends to be one of the most feared infections by parents and pediatricians because it can cause sudden respiratory deterioration in some young children, requiring ER visits or hospitalizations.”

If your child has RSV, they are also likely to exhibit symptoms such as: 

• Fast breathing
• Flaring of the nostrils
• Grunting during breathing
• Belly breathing
• Wheezing

That said, Dr. Wawrin explains that many children who test positive for RSV may only have mild cold symptoms and may not appear very sick at all. If you are unsure, a trip to a health care provider's office is the best way to determine whether RSV is the cause of your child’s illness.