Healthy Habits: RSV

 Parents are probably familiar with ear infections, seasonal allergies and the common cold, which are among the most diagnosed illnesses at pediatric doctor visits¹ – and now, are on high alert for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

 

How much do moms and dads of young children know about the symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? Even though parents may not know what RSV is, they should. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalizations in children under one year of age in the US, with about 125,000 RSV hospitalizations annually in this age group. ^2,3 RSV season typically lasts from fall through spring in most parts of the country. ⁴

 

About RSV:

• RSV is a common, highly contagious seasonal virus that is contracted by nearly all infants by the age of 2 years. ⁵
• Many parents may not be aware of the virus or its symptoms – especially because RSV symptoms are similar to those of the common cold or flu.6
• The virus causes a mild respiratory infection in most babies, but for some high-risk babies RSV can develop into a much more serious infection. 6
• Hospitalization rates for RSV disease are about 16x higher than those for influenza in children <1 year of age.⁷

 

RSV Symptoms Include:

• Coughing or wheezing that does not stop⁸
• Fast or troubled breathing⁸
• Flared nostrils and/or chest retractions when breathing⁸
• Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails⁸
• Fever⁸

 

There is currently no specific treatment for RSV disease once contracted – prevention is critical, especially for high risk infants.

 

Preventive methods include:

• Washing your hands and asking others to do the same⁹
• Keeping your child’s toys, clothes, blankets and sheets clean – and your own⁹
• Avoiding crowds including young children and others who may be sick during RSV season⁹
• Avoiding tobacco smoke¹⁰
• Asking your child’s health care provider if your child may be at high risk for severe RSV and ways you can help protect a high-risk baby⁹

 

On November 18, Dr. Michael Forbes, Pediatric & Adolescent Intensive Care Specialist and the Director of PICU Clinical Research & Outcomes Analysis at Akron Children’s Hospital, was available to provide important details on what parents need to know about RSV, including which kids are at highest risk and how it can be prevented.

 Interview Courtesy: :  Sobi

 

 

¹ American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Coding Newsletter. Top 25 Pediatric Diagnoses Revisited. August 2013: 5.