RSV: It's Not Over Yet

Just when we were celebrating the end of RSV season, my wife's cousin's newborn son caught the virus. A few days later, our son's home health care nurse informed us of a recent outbreak of RSV in our area. This caused both of us to panic. Is our son safe from this dangerous virus? What are the symptoms again? For all of us parents of preemies, here is some information on RSV:

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, creates an infection of the lungs which makes some babies very sick. While the virus causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and many children, it can be especially dangerous for preemies and babies with lung disease. According to a pamphlet published by the Reach Program, 90,000 babies and children are hospitalized during a given RSV season and around 2% will die from the disease. It can also cause lifetime illnesses such as asthma.

At first, symptoms of RSV may be cold-like, such as fever and congestion. It may then worsen, manifesting itself through coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing. The condition can worsen rapidly, especially in a sick baby, so it is important to get immediate medical attention for the child.

Fortunately, RSV can be prevented. Frequent hand washing with warm water and soap, especially before touching the baby, is the best way to prevent the virus from passing to your child. Also, avoid being around the baby when you have a cold or are sick. If you are the child's primary care giver, you may purchase a surgical mask to wear when you are caring for the baby. It is also important to keep small children away from the baby and to ban smoking near the child. There is also a new medicine called Synagis which can help prevent babies from getting RSV. Although the shots are expensive (around $800), they are proving to be effective against the virus.

Although many of us parents have been lodged up in our homes all winter, protecting our tiny babies from RSV, it is encouraging to note that the season is almost over. Still, with recent outbreaks of the virus, it is important to review information on RSV and practice the methods of prevention mentioned above.

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