What is RSV-
Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be severe for some infants. In fact, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States.
Children at highest risk -
- premature infants
- ·very young infants, especially those 6 months and younger
- children younger than 2 years old with chronic lung or heart disease
- children with suppressed immune systems
- children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions
PREVENTION -
There are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of RSV and keep your infant safe.
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Avoid contact with people who have cold-like symptoms
- Wash their hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
- Limit the time they spend in child-care centers or other potentially contagious settings, especially during fall, winter, and spring. This may help prevent infection and spread of the virus during the RSV season.
- Clean contaminated surfaces
If your infant is at high risk for severe RSV disease, talk to your healthcare provider and discuss what can be used as a preventive measure.
by UTMB Pediatrics; Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Also see: Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UTMB Health Pediatrics
General Academy/Primary Care Pediatrics at UTMB Health
After Hours Urgent Care at UTMB Health
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/
HealthyChildren.org: RSV When Its More Than Just a Cold
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx