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Date: February 1, 2024
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), commonly presenting with cold-like symptoms, poses a significant threat to infants and young children, often leading to severe illness, hospitalizations, and even fatalities. In 2019 alone, around 6.6 million infants aged 0-6 months globally experienced RSV-associated acute lower respiratory infection episodes, resulting in 1.4 million hospitalizations and 45,700 RSV-attributable deaths.
How RSV Affects Babies: Dr. Danelle Fisher, Chair of Pediatrics at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, notes that while RSV manifests as the common cold in older children and adults, it can cause severe respiratory issues, including wheezing and breathing difficulties, in infants. Younger children, especially babies, may even experience apnea, where they pause or stop breathing temporarily, making it particularly dangerous.
Dr. Mohamed Zebda, a board-certified pediatrician, emphasizes that infants born prematurely, those with congenital heart disease, immunocompromised children, those with chronic lung disease, and those under 1 year of age are at an elevated risk of severe complications, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
How RSV Spreads: RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can survive on surfaces for several hours. It can also spread through direct contact, such as kissing, and by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus spreads rapidly, particularly in settings with children, as older siblings may bring it home from school or daycare.
Treatment for RSV in Babies: Treatment for infants with RSV may include IV fluids for dehydration, saline and nasal suction for congestion, and medication for managing fevers. Notably, antibiotics are ineffective against RSV since it is a viral infection.
Reducing a Baby’s Risk of RSV: Pediatricians suggest several measures to minimize a baby’s exposure to RSV, including good hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and toys, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding sick visitors, and limiting exposure during RSV season (October through April). Families with daycare or preschool-going children are advised to practice extra caution.
RSV Vaccine During Pregnancy: The maternal RSV vaccine, administered during pregnancy between 32 to 36 weeks gestational age, is recommended by healthcare authorities. This vaccine helps produce maternal antibodies that pass on to the baby, significantly reducing the risk of severe disease or hospitalization due to RSV. Pregnant individuals unable to receive the vaccine can explore options such as the monoclonal antibody shot, nirsevimab, given to infants under 8 months during RSV season.
In conclusion, understanding the impact of RSV on infants, its modes of transmission, and preventive measures, including vaccination during pregnancy, is crucial in safeguarding the health of the youngest members of our community.
Note: This article is based on expert opinions and ongoing research in the field of pediatrics.
