It’s RSV Season | Do You Know What to Look For? | #RSVProtection

The hype is everywhere about the flu… everyone is worried and doing their best to prevent it. But did you know that it is also RSV season?

The RSV season typically runs from November through March, so during the winter months parents should be especially careful to watch for signs of RSV. RSV typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, but in some babies it results in a serious respiratory infection. Those most at risk for severe RSV include premature infants, as their lungs aren’t fully developed and they have fewer infection-fighting antibodies than full-term babies.

Below are symptoms of severe RSV infection that require immediate medical care:

• 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’ve seen one extreme case this season already that put a sweet baby in NICU. Her parents almost lost her, but thankfully she is now doing much better.

One thing most people don’t realize is, once contracted… there is no treatment for RSV! Prevention is critical… it’s our only weapon.

RSV can live on surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, toys, bedding) for several hours and is often spread through touching, hugging and kissing. Daycare increases this risk of RSV spreading as children are constantly sharing toys, tables and high chairs as well as eating and napping in close quarters.

Some steps to take to prevent the spread of RSV include:

• always wash your hands and child’s hands, and asking others to do the same
• keep toys, clothes, blankets, and sheets clean
• avoid crowds and other sick children during RSV season

A few facts about RSV that all parents, caregivers and loved ones should know:

•  Almost every baby will contract RSV by age 2, but only 1/3 of moms say they’ve heard of the virus.
• Serious RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000
  hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
• RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November
  and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
• Certain babies are at an increased risk of developing serious RSV infection, so it’s important to speak with a
  pediatrician to determine if a baby may be at high risk for RSV, and discuss preventive measures.
• Symptoms of serious RSV infection include: persistent coughing or wheezing; rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths;
  blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails; high fever; extreme fatigue; and difficulty feeding. Parents should contact a medical professional immediately upon signs of these symptoms
• There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take preventive steps to help protect their child (wash hands, toys, bedding frequently; avoid crowds and cigarette smoke).

Visit www.RSVProtection.com and follow #RSVProtection on Twitter for more information.

Disclosure:  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.