What is a common presenting symptom of infants with RSV?

A common presenting symptom of infants with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is apnea. While RSV typically manifests as respiratory illness in the form of bronchiolitis or pneumonia, infants, especially those younger than six months, may present with apnea as a prominent symptom. This is particularly concerning because it can be a sign of significant respiratory distress or a serious complication.

Apnea in infants may occur due to the immature respiratory control centers in their brains, making them more susceptible to pauses in breathing in the context of respiratory illnesses like RSV. Given that infants are still developing their neurorespiratory mechanisms, RSV can disrupt their normal respiratory rhythm, leading to these apnea episodes.

Other symptoms such as cough and fever are common in RSV infections but are not as distinctive in infants as they are in older children and adults. Rash is not a typical symptom associated with RSV infection, making apnea the most relevant and concerning presenting symptom in this age group.