I remember one morning a few years ago when my friend called me crying and was so upset. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me a story from the night before when her young child seemed to almost stop breathing. She said it was the scariest night of her life. He was wheezing, coughing, and almost could not catch his breath. They ended up calling the ambulance because his breathing was so labored. After spending the night in the hospital and taking breathing treatments, she found out it was RSV. He was going to be okay, but she was scared to death. I would have been too! She had not even heard of RSV before this. What is RVS? Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common, seasonal virus that affects two-thirds of all infants by age one and almost 100% of babies by age two, because it’s highly contagious. RSV can live on surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, toys, bedding) for several hours and is often spread through touching, hugging and kissing. Daycare increases this risk of RSV spreading as children are constantly sharing toys, tables and high chairs as well as eating and napping in close quarters.
Most cases of RSV seem to occur during the months of November through March. It’s that time of year when people are in closed quarters together and many illnesses are shared. I know here in Rhode Island there have been many different ailments going around our community in the past few months. You need to do your best to protect yourself and teach your young kids to be healthy as well; for instance washing their hands often. You should also be aware of the signs of RSV so you know to get care and you know what you are dealing with when it becomes serious!
Below are symptoms of severe RSV infection that require immediate medical care:
- Coughing or wheezing that does not stop
- Fast or troubled breathing
- Spread-out nostrils and/or a caved-in chest when trying to breathe
- Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
- Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F in infants under 3 months of age)
Most cases with milder symptoms of RSV will likely run its course without any cause for parental alarm. It is important to keep sick kids home when possible to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Sick kids are contagious and can spread it to those that are in the higher risk for serious reactions to RSV, so be responsible and help prevent others from getting it from your child.
Check out the infographic below about RSV. It includes great information about RSV and how to recognize the signs and prevent spreading the virus.
Important Information
A few facts about RSV that all parents, caregivers and loved ones should know:
- Almost every baby will contract RSV by age 2, but only 1/3 of moms say they’ve heard of the virus.
- Serious RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
- RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
- Certain babies are at an increased risk of developing serious RSV infection, so it’s important to speak with a pediatrician to determine if a baby may be at high risk for RSV, and discuss preventive measures.
- Symptoms of serious RSV infection include: persistent coughing or wheezing; rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths; blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails; high fever; extreme fatigue; and difficulty feeding. Parents should contact a medical professional immediately upon signs of these symptoms.
- There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take preventive steps to help protect their child (wash hands, toys, bedding frequently; avoid crowds and cigarette smoke).
You can also get more information about this serious topic from RSVprotection.com. The more you are educated about the topic, the more you will know to help your child if you encounter this virus. Hopefully you can recognize the signs and get help. I felt awful for my friend who had no idea what was happening with her son. It was a very scary time and she had no clue what could be wrong with him. She actually educated me about RSV as well, because I had not been familiar with it at the time. Please spread the word about this virus and how to protect your loved ones! A tweet, share, or comment is much appreciated to get the word out about RSV and to hopefully protect the babies and young kids in our lives. Those most at risk for severe RSV include premature infants, as their lungs aren’t fully developed and they have fewer infection-fighting antibodies than full-term babies. Let’s protect these little ones!
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
My son was a preemie, and he received the RSV vaccine. I was relieved that he qualified because I’ve had friends who dealt with RSV and it wasn’t fun at all. Thankfully, their babies were fine, but with preemies, it can be a million times worse.
Wow, RSV sounds so much like what my parents generation called “The Croupe” I wonder if that’s actually what it was and they just labeled it that?
this is a great awareness post–you can’t be too careful. Glad you got the opportunity to promote and educate–thanks
This is really helpful information because it’s terribly scary!
This is such important info to be aware of, to understand and to share. Thank you for this…
My son had very similar problems when he was just a few months old, I can still remember him now laying to weak and still in the hospital cot, its really frightening. Great post to share and raise awareness really helpful.
Such important information,especially for those of us with little ones. I have had several friends whose kids got very sick with RSV and it’s incredibly scary. Thanks for sharing this.
Great post! I hadn’t heard of it either until a friends daughter had it. Very scary if not treated! Thanks for sharing
Being a parent is the scariest most wonderful thing in the world! It’s amazing that kids make it to adulthood. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this info – so scary when our babies are attacked by viruses.
RSV is super scary. I have never had to deal with it, thank god!
RSV is so scary my son was a preemie and I was so worried about him getting that. Luckily we didn’t though. Thanks for sharing this.
I am seeing so much of this this year and its so scary. Thanks for all the helpful information!
RSV is so scary! THanks for sharing this info.
What a great post. My friends daughter had RSV and it it truly awful! Thanks for telling us all about the signs and prevention.
Thanks for the info! Luckily we are a very healthy family with strong immune systems. I have a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old and neither have had RSV.
This would be super scary with a little guy. Good information to know.
Our oldest daughter had RSV when she was a newborn.
We were new parents and SO impressed with our doctor who kept calling and calling all weekend – even on Sunday!
We didn’t realize until much later that her situation was serious enough to warrant frequent check ins. We only avoided a hospital stay because I had a nebulizer at home and we were able to treat her round the clock with it.
So good that you’re sharing this – it’s important to know the signs!
Great info, thanks for sharing! Hope I never have to deal with this.
That is good to know. It is so scary when your kids go through something like that I am glad your friends son is okay.
One of my sister’s kids got RSV as an infant. It was really scary. I had never heard of it before that, that I can recall.
Dawn
Wow, I’m glad he was ok! Did you know calves can get something similar? It’s called BRD, or Bovine Respiratory Disease. But it can affect cows of all ages.
This is great information. My friend’s baby girl was just in the hospital for a week with RSV. I will bookmark this, for sure.
Wow that’s very scarey, great information your sharing and hopefully will help other Mom’s.
They first tested Michael for RSV when I took him in for whooping cough. It’s pretty scary to think about when it happens to your kid!
Great information…. I never even heard of this illness until about 3 years ago. I was clueless with my first 5 kids,
Thank goodness my kids had never contacted RSV because I know some who have and its very scary!
Great info – so important to share!!!
This is the first time I hear of RSV, thank you so much for sharing with us!
Thanks for sharing this. I wish more people realized that RSV is totally preventable!
I’m sharing this with my best friend who’s son just got diagnosed with RSV. She’ll love this!