Respiratory illnesses are common among children, particularly when viruses circulate through schools, nurseries and other places where children spend time together. One virus parents may hear more about is respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV.
RSV can cause mild cold-like symptoms in many children, but it can sometimes lead to more significant breathing problems, particularly in babies and young children.
Dubai Health Authority issued an awareness circular in September 2026 highlighting the importance of prevention and vaccination against RSV.
Understanding the symptoms, risk factors and warning signs can help parents know when to monitor a child at home and when to seek medical advice.
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus. It is a common respiratory virus that can affect people of all ages.
In children, RSV may initially look like an ordinary cold. Symptoms can include a runny nose, cough, reduced appetite and fever.
In some children, particularly infants and young children, the infection can affect the lower respiratory tract and cause conditions such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
The severity of an RSV infection can vary from child to child.
Common RSV symptoms may include:
In babies, symptoms may sometimes be less obvious.
A young infant may feed less than usual, become unusually tired or show changes in breathing.
Parents should monitor their child’s overall condition rather than focusing on one symptom alone.
RSV can be particularly concerning in very young babies because they may not always develop the typical symptoms parents expect from a respiratory infection.
Parents may notice:
If a baby appears unusually unwell or is having difficulty breathing or feeding, medical assessment is important.
Regular well-baby care can also help parents discuss respiratory symptoms, feeding concerns and other health questions with a paediatrician.
RSV can spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person.
Children may be exposed through:
Good hygiene and reducing close contact with people who are unwell can help reduce the risk of transmission.
There is no single measure that prevents every respiratory infection.
Parents can reduce the risk by encouraging healthy habits such as:
Dubai Health Authority’s September 2026 communication specifically highlighted prevention and vaccination against RSV. Parents should discuss eligibility and the most appropriate preventive options with a qualified healthcare professional.
RSV prevention is not the same for every child.
Depending on age, health status and other factors, preventive options may be available for certain infants, children or pregnant women.
Parents should not assume that the same RSV prevention strategy applies to every child.
A paediatrician can review the child’s age, medical history and risk factors and advise whether a preventive option is appropriate.
For broader information about childhood immunisation, see HealthHub’s Comprehensive Immunization Program.
Some children may have a higher risk of developing severe respiratory illness.
Risk may be influenced by factors such as:
If your child has a chronic health condition, ask their paediatrician about respiratory infection prevention.
You can also learn more through our guide to Paediatric Chronic Diseases.
Most RSV infections are managed with supportive care.
Treatment depends on the child’s symptoms and overall condition.
A doctor may recommend measures such as:
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as RSV unless a doctor identifies a separate bacterial infection.
Parents should avoid giving children medication without checking whether it is appropriate for their child’s age, weight and medical condition.
Contact a paediatrician if your child has respiratory symptoms that are worsening, persistent or causing difficulty with feeding, sleeping or normal activities.
Medical assessment is particularly important if your child is very young or has an underlying medical condition.
A paediatrician can examine the child and determine whether further assessment or treatment is needed.
Seek urgent medical attention if your child develops signs of serious breathing difficulty or becomes significantly unwell.
Warning signs can include:
Do not wait for a routine appointment if your child appears seriously unwell.
RSV can initially resemble a common cold.
Symptoms such as a runny nose, cough and fever can occur with many respiratory viruses, so parents may not be able to identify RSV based on symptoms alone.
The more important consideration is how the child is breathing, feeding, drinking and behaving.
If symptoms are worsening or you are concerned about your child’s condition, a paediatrician can assess the child and determine the appropriate next steps.
The timing depends on the child’s symptoms, recovery and the policies of the school or nursery.
A child who is still significantly unwell, has difficulty participating normally or has a fever should generally be assessed before returning to normal activities.
Parents should follow medical advice and the relevant school or nursery requirements.
Families can reduce exposure by:
For infants, regular preventive care is also important.
HealthHub’s Well-Baby Care service provides routine monitoring of growth and development during early childhood.
Consider arranging a paediatric consultation if your child:
A paediatrician can assess your child’s symptoms and provide guidance based on their age and medical history.
Children’s health involves more than treating individual illnesses. Regular preventive care, vaccinations, developmental monitoring and early assessment can help parents identify concerns at an earlier stage.
HealthHub Clinics provides paediatric services in Dubai, including well-baby care, developmental assessment, chronic disease management and immunisation services.
Explore Paediatrics at HealthHub Clinics to learn more about our children’s healthcare services.
If your child needs medical assessment, you can request a new appointment with a HealthHub healthcare professional.
This article is intended for general health information only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Preventive options and treatment recommendations may vary according to a child’s age, health history and individual circumstances.
Connect with our experienced doctors at HealthHub Clinics to learn more or call 800 2344. to book your appointment.
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