RSV is short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus which is very common in infants and children up to two years of age. It is highly contagious and because of the shared environment of childcare, it is easily spread. Even if an infant or toddler isn’t in childcare, they may attend baby groups or have older siblings who can pass on the virus. RSV can live on surfaces for several hours and can spread by close personal contact.
About two-thirds of all infants up to age one and almost 100% of babies up to age two have had RSV. It results in symptoms related to the common cold, but for some infants, especially preemies, it can be life threatening. Plus, there is no cure for RSV. If you or your child has RSV, stay home from school and work to avoid spreading it.
How to Prevent RSV:
- Washing hands and asking those who come in contact with babies to do the same
- Avoid crowds and cigarette smoke
- Stay away from anyone with cold symptoms
- Wash baby’s bedding, toys and clothes often
- Talk to your pediatrician about prevention
- Avoid childcare
Remember that premature babies’ immune systems and lungs are not fully developed, so what may be mild symptoms for full term infants can be grave in infants who are born premature. RSV usually runs between the months of November and March (RSV Season), so parents need to be on the lookout for the symptoms of this virus. RSV can worsen quickly. Pay close attention to symptoms and a mom’s instinct.
Serious Symptoms of RSV (needing immediate medical attention):
- Coughing or wheezing that does not stop
- Fast or troubled breathing
- Spread-out nostrils and/or a caved-in chest when trying to breathe
- Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
- Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months of age)
I have a friend who has been touched by RSV. What seemed like a cold in her infant quickly progressed to severe breathing issues. Her baby was put on a respirator within hours of being hospitalized. Throughout the 3 weeks of hospitalization, her little angel almost died and was unresponsive. It was a parent’s nightmare. Thankfully, she has recovered. But the emotional damage and financial problems of the family has just begun. Do what you can to prevent RSV.
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
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