RSV, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is seen in babies as bronchiolitis with respiratory symptoms like a runny nose and cough progressing to difficulty breathing and wheezing. It is a seasonal viral disease that is transmitted by respiratory droplets. Your baby is at risk. But there are protective measures that you can take to keep your baby healthy through the holiday season.
How does RSV spread to babies?
The virus is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes near your baby, an infected person has direct contact by holding or kissing your baby, or by your baby touching a contaminated surface. You can decrease the risk of infection with frequent handwashing, cleaning surfaces that are touched often, and limiting visitors who interact with your baby.
What risk factors are present?
RSV can be a mild illness for older children. In fact, nearly every child will have a case of RSV by the time they are 2 years old. But RSV can be a severe illness for babies under 8 months, preterm babies, and babies with other health problems. RSV is prevalent during the winter and early spring months. Exposure to crowded situations during this season is also a risk factor.
What symptoms are important to understand?
Early symptoms of RSV include a runny nose, coughing, and decreased activity. If your baby is also irritable, eating or drinking less than usual, wheezing, or having pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds, you will want to take your baby to your health care provider for evaluation. Your baby may also have a fever, but fever is not always present.
How can RSV be prevented?
Immunizations are available to protect your baby from severe RSV. There is a maternal vaccine that can be given from 32 weeks to 36 weeks of gestation. This vaccine will give protection to your baby for about 6 months. Breastfeeding also helps your baby receive protection from maternal antibodies. If you did not receive a maternal vaccination, your baby can receive an injection of monoclonal antibodies after birth. This one-time injection of Nirsevimab gives immediate protection and lasts for at least 5 months.
Your protective strategies continue to be important: handwashing, cleaning surfaces and toys, limiting exposure to crowds or sick people, breastfeeding to enhance immunity, and recognizing early symptoms of RSV.
What treatment is available if my baby is sick?
While you are at home you can ease the early symptoms by breastfeeding more often to help avoid dehydration, using a bulb syringe to help remove excess mucus, and providing quiet rest time for your baby. If your baby’s symptoms worsen or your baby develops other symptoms contact your health care provider. If it is after hours and your health care provider is not available, have your baby evaluated at the emergency department of your hospital. If hospital care is needed your baby can receive IV fluids, extra oxygen, suctioning of extra mucus, bronchodilator medicines, and tube feeding if needed. If your baby is severely ill a ventilator may help support breathing and antiviral medications may be considered.
In conclusion, RSV is most common in the winter and early spring. Your health care provider can review your specific risk factors and vaccine availability with you. Your awareness of the how RSV is spread, risk factors, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment available will help you keep your baby healthy through the holidays.
RSV in Infants and Young Children
Immunizations to Protect Infants | RSV | CDC
RSV in Babies/For Parents
RSV Vaccine Guidance for Pregnant People/RSV/CDC
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board