A parent's nightmare

One of the worst feelings a parent can ever have is not being able to make their child feel better.  This time of the year is the worst time for respiratory infections in most people but especially babies.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups.RSV is the most common germ that causes lung and airway infections in infants and young children.. The virus spreads through tiny droplets that go into the air when a sick person blows their nose, coughs, or sneezes. Children in daycare environments will generally spread the virus to other babies around them. Mainly because you can catch RSV if a person with RSV sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you. You touch, kiss, or shake hands with someone who is infected by the virus. You touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after you have touched something contamined by the virus, such as a toy or doorknob.  This is also why hand washing is so important.  It one of the best protective barriers you have for infections.

In general, RSV symptoms include: 

Bluish skin color due to a lack of oxygen (cyanosis)

Breathing difficulty or labored breathing

Cough

Croupy cough (often described as a "seal bark" cough)

Fever

Nasal flaring

Rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Shortness of breath

Stuffy nose

Wheezing

Many hospitals and clinics can rapidly test for RSV using a sample of fluid taken from the nose with a cotton swab.  Antibiotics do not treat RSV. Mild infections go away without treatment. Infants and children with a severe RSV infection may be admitted to the hospital . Treatment will include Oxygen, Moist (humidified) air, Fluids through a vein (by IV).

A breathing machine (ventilator) may be needed. 

A simple way to help prevent RSV infection is to wash your hands often, especially before touching your baby. It is important to make certain that other people, especially caregivers, take steps to avoid giving RSV to your baby.

The following simple steps can help protect your baby from getting sick:

Insist that others wash their hands with warm water and soap before touching your baby.

Have others avoid contact with the baby if they have a cold or fever. If necessary, have them wear a mask.

Be aware that kissing the baby can spread RSV infection.

Try to keep young children away from your baby. RSV is very common among young children and easily spreads from child to child.

Do not smoke inside your house, car, or anywhere near your baby. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of RSV illness. 

The drug Synagis (palivizumab) is approved for the prevention of RSV disease in children younger than 24 months who are at high risk for serious RSV disease. Ask your doctor if your child should receive this medicine.

Lets keep our babies happy and healthy.  

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