Healthy Habits: RSV

 

RSV is a common, highly contagious seasonal virus that is contracted by nearly all infants by the age of 2.[1] RSV infections occur primarily throughout the fall and winter, during cold and flu season. However, since late March, there has been an increase in RSV cases throughout the southern U.S., including in AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NM, NC, OK, SC, TN and TX. This unseasonable rise in caseload has the CDC alerting health care providers and caregivers to broaden their testing for the disease.

The CDC recently expressed particular concern that the pandemic has put babies and toddlers at risk for severe illness from RSV. Last season, RSV activity decreased significantly, likely due to the adoption of public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.[2] Since there was much less of the virus circulating last year than usual, the immune systems of most babies have had less exposure to the pathogen. This means they haven't had as much of a chance to build up immunity and may be at elevated risk for serious illness related to RSV.

 

About RSV:

• RSV is a common, highly contagious seasonal virus that is contracted by nearly all infants by the age of 2.1
• 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.[3]
• The virus can cause a mild respiratory infection in many babies, but for some babies – especially those who are considered high risk, – RSV can develop into a much more serious infection.³
• RSV hospitalization is 16 times more prevalent than flu hospitalization in infants younger than 12 months.[4]

 

RSV Symptoms Include:

• Coughing or wheezing that does not stop[5]
• Fast or troubled breathing⁵
• Flared nostrils and/or increased chest retractions when trying to breathe⁵
• Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails⁵
• Fever⁵

 

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

 

In this interview, Dr. Michael Forbes, Pediatric & Adolescent Intensive Care Specialist and the Director of PICU Clinical Research & Outcomes Analysis at Akron Children’s Hospital, provices 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

 

Glezen WP, Taber LH, Frank AL, Kasel JA. Risk of Primary Infection and Reinfection with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Am J Dis Child. 1986;140:543-546.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Increased Interseasonal Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Activity in Parts of the Southern United States https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00443.asp. Accessed June 28, 2021.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms and Care. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html. Accessed June 28, 2021.

[1] Zhou H, Thompson WW, Viboud CG, et al. Hospitalizations associated with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in the United States, 1993-2008. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;54(10):1427-1436

[1] Medline Plus. Medical Encyclopedia: Bronchiolitis. US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000975.htm. Accessed June 28, 2021.