Warnings signs of contagious RSV

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There's a highly contagious virus that's making its rounds in Western Massachusetts.  22News is working for you with the warning signs of RSV.

RSV or the Respiratory Syncytial Virus is the most common cause of pneumonia in infants and newborns.  

The warning signs of the virus are wheezing and a very runny nose.  It's spread through air droplets and direct contact.  It can be extremely serious for any newborn less than 3 months old.

"If you hear that kind of wheezing noise in a child and they seem to be breathing a little bit more rapidly than usual, and if they have difficulty feeding that would be a really good time to contact your health care provider", says Dr. Matthew Sadof, BayState Children's Hospital Pediatrician. 

Dr. Sadof told 22News some children who have RSV can go on to develop asthma.  

Since adults can carry the virus, the simple precautions are to cover your mouth when you cough, wash your hands, and if you are planning to visit someone's baby and you are sick; wait until you get better.