As a parent, it can feel like there’s always one more thing to worry about! With the recent spike in RSV cases in babies and children, you’re likely wondering what you need to know. Here’s a quick overview to put your mind at ease:
What is RSV?
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It’s a respiratory virus that affects the small air pathways in the lungs. RSV is highly contagious and spreads easily through close contact with an infected person. It can be transmitted by coughs and sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs.
RSV Infections – Who gets sick?
The short answer: almost everyone. Most children have had RSV by the time they turn two. Adults can also get RSV but may show minimal symptoms or feel like they have a common cold. Early symptoms of RSV in babies include:
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Runny nose
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Decrease in appetite
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Coughing, which may escalate to wheezing or difficulty breathing
If your baby is struggling to breathe, refusing to feed, showing worsening symptoms, or behaving in a way that concerns you (trust your instincts—you know your baby best), call your pediatrician for guidance.
How worried should I be about RSV?
RSV is something to take seriously – but in most cases, it’s not a cause for panic. The majority of babies and children who contract RSV will recover safely with rest and care. However, one to two out of every hundred children under six months old will require hospital care to recover from RSV. As always, the younger your baby is, the more cautious you will want to be.
Babies at the highest risk include:
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Premature infants
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Infants under six months old
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Children with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders
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Children under two years with lung or heart disease
How can I protect my baby?
The same general good hygiene practices that you likely already practice around your small baby will help reduce the risk of RSV. These include frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick people, cleaning surfaces regularly, covering your coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill.
As a parent myself, I know how scary it feels to protect a newborn from something you can’t see. The good news is you’re likely already doing most of the right things. Just keep an eye out for early symptoms in your baby (and in yourself and others), and never hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for support.
—Dr. Nina Farzin
Founder & CEO of oogiebear
Learn more about RSV in Infants here: RSV in Infants and Young Children | CDC | Transmission of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) | CDC
