In most cases, RSV infection will go away on its own, without any special treatment.
Most of the time, RSV infection is not treated with antibiotics because antibiotics do not work against viruses. But if your child gets an ear infection associated with RSV, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Younger children, especially infants, who have severe RSV pneumonia or bronchiolitis, may need to be treated in hospital. They may be given oxygen with mist and medicines to open up their airways.
An antiviral medicine called ribavirin may sometimes be given to very sick children who are hospitalized for severe pneumonia caused by RSV, but its use is controversial among doctors.
