RSV in kids: When to go to the ER in Victoria, TX

We understand how alarming it is when your child is struggling to breathe. At Victoria ER, our board-certified ER physicians are specially trained in pediatric emergency care and are here to help with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other childhood illnesses and injuries.

RSV often starts off looking like a simple cold, but the biggest warning sign is trouble breathing (especially in babies and toddlers).

While many children recover at home, some need immediate medical attention. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the red flags to watch for, what to expect at Victoria ER and how to lower your child’s risk during RSV season.

Need answers fast? Read this.

Go to Victoria ER right away if you see one or more of these warning signs (especially in babies under six months):

• Fast or labored breathing (e.g., ribs or neck pulling in, belly breathing, grunting, and wheezing).
• Color changes, such as blue or gray lips or skin.
• Dehydration (e.g., fewer than 3-4 wet diapers in 24 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying, and refusing fluids).
• Unusual sleepiness, irritability, or trouble waking.
• High fever in infants, or a fever that won’t come down despite recommended medication and dosing.
• Periods where your baby stops breathing, or has a history of prematurity or heart or lung disease.

If any of these are present, come to Victoria ER, your nearest children’s ER, for immediate care in Victoria, TX.

What is RSV?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory illnesses.

RSV spreads through droplets and on hands or surfaces. RSV symptoms in babies often start with a runny nose, cough, low-grade fever, and reduced appetite.

For some babies, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which affects breathing.

Who is at higher risk? Infants under 12 months (especially under 6 months), premature babies, children with chronic lung or heart problems and kids with weakened immune systems.

What does labored breathing look like?

Parents often ask, “How can I tell if my child is working too hard to breathe?” Here’s what to look for:

• Retractions: the skin pulls in between or under the ribs or at the base of the neck.
• Nasal flaring: the nostrils widen with each breath.
• Grunting: a soft sound as your child exhales.
• Belly breathing: the tummy rises more than the chest.
• Fast breathing: more than you usually see for your child’s age.

If you see any of these, especially with any lip or skin color change or poor feeding, come to Victoria ER right away.

How Victoria ER evaluates and tests for RSV

When you visit Victoria ER for RSV treatment, one of our skilled ER physicians will examine your child’s breathing, oxygen level, temperature, and hydration. RSV emergency care is essential when your child has labored breathing, is very young or has severe symptoms.

We may use a gentle nasal swab to test for RSV and related viruses. RSV testing in Victoria, TX, can help provide accurate treatment.

How RSV is treated

Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for RSV. Care focuses on helping your child breathe and remain hydrated. We provide:

• Oxygen if levels are low.
• Suctioning to clear nasal passages.
• Fluids by mouth or IV if dehydrated.
• Fever control with child-safe dosing.
• Breathing treatments in select cases, based on exam.

Your child will leave with clear instructions on home care, warning signs, and follow-up.

What parents can do at home (for mild illness)

• Offer small, frequent fluids and watch for consistently wet diapers.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier in the room.
• Gently suction the nose with saline and a bulb or nasal device.
• Keep smoke and irritants away.
• Keep your child at home from daycare while they are sick.
• Wash your hands often and clean high-touch surfaces.

Return to Victoria ER right away if breathing worsens, your child drinks less or new symptoms appear.

Prevention in 2025: Protecting babies and seniors

New prevention options in 2025 are helping protect those most at risk for RSV (e.g., pregnant women, newborns, and older adults.

• During pregnancy
  An RSV vaccine may be recommended during pregnancy to help protect newborns in their first months of life. Ask your OB if it’s right for you.
• Infants
  A long-acting preventive antibody (nirsevimab) may be recommended for babies entering RSV season. Some older infants with added risks may also qualify.
• Older adults
  Adults aged 75 and older, as well as individuals aged 50–74 with certain health conditions, may be candidates for an RSV vaccine. Your clinician can advise on timing and benefits.

Season and Community Notes

RSV can circulate year-round, with higher activity in cooler months. Local surges can happen earlier or later from one year to the next. Follow updates from your child’s doctor and local health sources and take extra care during peak weeks.

When a pediatrician visit is enough and when to choose the ER

Call your pediatrician if your child or baby is experiencing mild RSV symptoms, feeding is okay and breathing comfortably.

Go directly to the ER if your child is less than 12 months old, is experiencing labored breathing, dehydration or you are worried and cannot get a same-day appointment with your pediatrician.

When RSV symptoms are severe, our physicians may use our on-site imaging or laboratory services to quickly rule out complications.

Trust your instincts. If you are concerned about your child, go to the emergency room for immediate pediatric emergency care in Victoria, TX.

Daycare and siblings: Reducing spread at home

RSV spreads by close contact. Here’s how to reduce its spread to others:

• Keep your child home until their fever is gone and breathing has improved.
• Clean toys and high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Wash hands often.
• Avoid sharing cups, bottles, or other feeding supplies.
• Teach older siblings to wash their hands when they come home from school.

Medicines to avoid

• Avoid adult cold medicines for children.
• Do not give honey to babies under 1 year.
• Use only medications recommended by your child’s pediatrician and follow dosing instructions carefully.

If you have been treating your child’s RSV symptoms at home, be sure to bring a list of medications and treatments already given when you arrive at the ER.

After your ER visit

You will leave with a written care plan, including warning signs to watch for and guidance on when to see your pediatrician. If your child needs more monitoring, we will keep them comfortable and safe and discuss the next steps with you.

Victoria ER: Pediatric-Friendly and Open 24/7

• Address: 6703 N Navarro St, Victoria, TX 77904
• Hours: Open 24/7, 365 days a year
• Phone: (361) 573-1500
• What to bring: Diapers, a favorite comfort item, a medication list, and an insurance card if available

Your child’s emergency is our top priority. Visit Victoria ER for personalized care. As part of our concierge-level emergency care services, our ER physicians provide next-day follow-up calls to check on your child’s recovery.

Call Now: (361) 573-1500
Get Directions: Search “Victoria ER Navarro St” in your maps app.

Call Victoria ER at 361-573-1500 for any medical emergencies. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.