RSV can be serious for infants and young children

With fall and winter quickly approaching, seasonal viruses are on the rise. While some of these can just be an annoyance, other viruses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can cause serious problems for young children.

“RSV is a seasonal virus that infects the airways,” said Dr. Brad Barham, pediatrician at Hendrick Health. “Symptoms can be as mild as a common cold or more severe with signs of increased work of breathing and respiratory distress.”

Every year, RSV is responsible for 1.5 million outpatient visits, 500,000 emergency department visits and approximately 60,000 - 80,000 hospitalizations, as well as up to 300 deaths across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Like other respiratory viruses, RSV more often spreads in fall and winter. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can cause more serious respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and young children.

Historically, protection against RSV has included standard hygiene precautions like covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands often. Fortunately, healthcare providers can now offer more protection with a vaccine.

“The RSV vaccine, Beyfortus or nirsevimab, is an antibody injection that protects young kids from the infection,” said Barham. “This has the potential to dramatically decrease hospitalizations and severe illness in young infants who are some of our most vulnerable patients.”

Infants born prematurely are at a greater risk of severe illness from RSV, as well as children with the following conditions:

• Chronic lung disease

• Congenital heart disease

• Weakened immune systems

• Cystic fibrosis

• Neuromuscular disorders

Parents and expecting parents should visit with their primary care provider about RSV concerns, steps to take if symptoms develop and if the RSV vaccine is beneficial for the child.

To find a provider, visit hendrickhealth.org/provider.