
Understanding RSV: What Every Parent Should Know
Hello, parents! As your trusted pediatrician, I want to share some crucial information about respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. It’s important to know that nearly all children will experience an RSV infection at least once by the age of 2. While most kids only have mild symptoms, some infants and young children can become quite ill. Here’s what you need to understand about RSV and how you can help protect your little ones.
What Is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent virus that mainly impacts the lungs and respiratory system. The term "syncytial" is pronounced sin-SISH-ul.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While RSV often leads to mild illness, certain children are at a higher risk for severe complications:
Premature infants: Those born before 37 weeks of gestation.
Babies under 12 months: Particularly those younger than 6 months.
Children under 2 with health conditions: This includes those with respiratory, heart, or immune system challenges.
We care SO much about RSV because, according to the CDC, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the United States.
How and When Does RSV Spread?
RSV is most prevalent from late fall to early spring, although this can vary by region. The virus spreads through close contact, entering the body via the nose or eyes from infected saliva or mucus.
Recognizing Symptoms of RSV
For most healthy children, RSV manifests with mild, cold-like symptoms lasting from 7 to 14 days, typically peaking around days 3 to 5. Common symptoms include:
Fever (100.4 °F/38 °C or higher)
Cough (dry or wet)
Congestion and runny nose
Sneezing
Fussiness and poor feeding
In more serious cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Signs of bronchiolitis include:
Rapid or difficult breathing
Flaring nostrils and head bobbing during breaths
Rhythmic grunting or wheezing
For helpful videos on these symptoms, check out HealthyChildren.org/rsv.
How to Protect Your Little Ones from RSV
Here are some effective ways to keep babies and young children safe from RSV:
Vaccination for Pregnant Individuals: If you’re pregnant, consider receiving the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy if your baby is due during RSV season. This vaccine can help reduce the risk of hospitalization for your infant during their first six months.
Nirsevimab Immunization: This is recommended for babies under 8 months who are born during or just before RSV season. It can be given alongside other routine vaccinations and provides protection throughout RSV season. For some high-risk children up to 19 months old, it may also be advised.
Always consult your child’s healthcare provider to discuss the best options for your family. Typically, babies will only need either the vaccine for pregnant individuals or nirsevimab, but not both.
Keeping Families Healthy
Here are some tips to ensure your family stays healthy:
Stay up to date on vaccinations: Keep your children current with their immunizations. Adults around infants should also receive annual flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and the Tdap vaccine to protect against whooping cough. There’s even an RSV vaccine available for adults over 60.
Limit germ exposure: Reduce your baby’s contact with crowds and anyone who is sick. Keep children home when they are unwell, and teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes.
Promote good hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Regularly disinfect surfaces and toys.
Avoid secondhand smoke: Protect your baby from tobacco smoke, as it increases the risk of severe respiratory infections.
Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed your baby. Breast milk is packed with antibodies that help fend off infections.
What to Do If Your Child Shows RSV Symptoms
Currently, there’s no specific treatment for RSV, and medications like steroids or antibiotics won’t help. However, you can take steps to ease mild symptoms:
Use saline nasal drops and gentle suctioning to help your child breathe and feed more comfortably.
A cool-mist humidifier can help break up mucus.
Ensure your baby stays hydrated. If a stuffy nose makes breastfeeding difficult, consider expressing breast milk and offering it from a cup or bottle.
For children older than six months, you may give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as advised by your doctor) for fever relief. Be sure to avoid giving aspirin or cough and cold medications.
When to Contact Your Child's Doctor
It’s essential to reach out to your child’s doctor if you notice:
Signs of bronchiolitis
Symptoms of dehydration (fewer than one wet diaper every 8 hours)
Changes in the color of their tongue, lips, or skin (grayish or bluish)
Decreased activity or alertness
Symptoms worsening or not improving after 7 days
Fever of 100.4 °F/38 °C or higher in infants under 3 months
Persistent high fever (over 104°F/40°C)
Poor sleep, fussiness, chest pain, or ear tugging/drainage
Of course, if you are a Blooming Bright Member, please reach out whenever you have a concern. No need to wait for the above mentioned signs or symptoms. We are here to help you with all your parenting concerns.
For more information, please visit HealthyChildren.org. Or, just give me a call!! I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Remember, I’m here to support you and your family. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, at any time.
Here for you always,
~ Dr. Chacko
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