RSV / bronchiolitis
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
no specific exclusion period — exclude while the child is acutely unwell
symptoms
- •runny nose and mild cough initially
- •wheezing
- •fast or laboured breathing
- •difficulty feeding
- •fever
- •most common in babies under 12 months
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return when they are well enough to participate in activities and their breathing has returned to normal.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts are not excluded but should practise good hand hygiene
treatment notes for parents
most cases are mild and managed at home with fluids and rest. smaller, more frequent feeds may help. see a GP if the child is breathing fast, having trouble feeding, or seems dehydrated. call 000 if the child has severe breathing difficulty or blue lips. there is no antibiotic treatment for RSV — it is a virus.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.