Which intervention is not routinely used in the management of RSV in healthy infants?

• A. Oxygen therapy
• B. Hydration with IV fluids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Nasal suctioning

Answer: (C)

RSV in healthy infants is treated with supportive care aimed at keeping the child comfortable, well hydrated, and able to breathe and feed normally. Since RSV is a virus, antibiotics do not treat it and aren’t used routinely unless there’s a suspected or confirmed bacterial coinfection.

Oxygen therapy is used if the infant’s oxygen saturation falls below a safe level, helping ensure tissues receive enough oxygen. Hydration with IV fluids is important when oral intake is poor due to fever, fatigue, or nasal drainage, preventing dehydration. Nasal suctioning helps clear thick nasal secretions, reducing airway obstruction and making feeding easier. Antibiotics would be considered only if there are signs of a bacterial infection, such as suspected bacterial pneumonia or an ear infection, but not for uncomplicated RSV alone.