Which symptom is commonly present in infants with RSV infection?

Which symptom is commonly present in infants with RSV infection?

• A. Fever
• B. Rhinorrhea
• C. Lethargy
• D. Rash

Answer: (B)

Rhinorrhea reflects nasal mucosal inflammation and mucus production that RSV commonly causes in infants. The virus often first presents in the upper airway with nasal discharge and congestion, and this nasal involvement is a hallmark of the infection. The nasal symptoms frequently contribute to feeding difficulties because the infant is blocked and congested. Fever can occur, but it’s not as characteristic in RSV as the nasal symptoms. Lethargy might appear if the illness is more severe or the infant becomes dehydrated, and a rash is not typical for RSV. So the presence of nasal discharge is the most consistent and distinguishing symptom in infants with RSV.

Rhinorrhea reflects nasal mucosal inflammation and mucus production that RSV commonly causes in infants. The virus often first presents in the upper airway with nasal discharge and congestion, and this nasal involvement is a hallmark of the infection. The nasal symptoms frequently contribute to feeding difficulties because the infant is blocked and congested.

Fever can occur, but it’s not as characteristic in RSV as the nasal symptoms. Lethargy might appear if the illness is more severe or the infant becomes dehydrated, and a rash is not typical for RSV. So the presence of nasal discharge is the most consistent and distinguishing symptom in infants with RSV.