BABY INFECTION OF RESPIRTION SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV)
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common cause of respiratory illness in
all ages. In adults, it tends to cause mild cold symptoms, in school aged children,
it can cause a cold and bronchial cough, in infants, baby and toddlers it can
cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the smaller airways of the lungs) or pneumonia,
it is highly infectious and almost all babies get it before age of 2 years old.
Many babies get only a slight cold from RSV. It has also been found to be a
frequent cause of middle ear infections (otitis media) in preschool children.
Reinfection throughout life is common. There is concern also that RSV infection
in the first year of life may increase the risk of the baby developing asthma
later in childhood. These infections are very dangerous for baby which born
prematurely, have lung or have heart problems or certain other chronic illnesses.
Your baby can get RSV at any time of year, but it is most common from fall to
spring.
The Symptoms of RSV usually last between 7 and 14 days. Most babies with RSV
do not become seriously ill. However, a small number of babies do become very
sick, and may need to be treated in the hospital with oxygen and, in some cases,
with antiviral drugs.
Call your baby's doctor right away if your baby:
- Develops fast breathing or breathing problems, wheezing (a whistling sound
when exhaling), worsening cough, or looks blue around the mouth
- Has a cold and is at high risk for RSV
- Develops any fever (more than 100.4° F) in the first three months of
life, a temperature of 101° F or greater between three and six months,
or 103° F after six months of age
If your baby has RSV, make sure he or she gets extra rest and drinks lots of
clear fluids. You also can use a rubber suction bulb to help clear mucus from
your baby’s nose, especially before feedings.
If your baby was born prematurely (too early) or has lung or heart disease,
talk to your pediatrician about ways to help prevent RSV. Your baby may benefit
from medication that helps prevent RSV infection in high-risk children. This
medication is called palivizumab (the brand name is Synagis). It is given in
monthly injections during the fall and winter months. The March of Dimes supports
the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for using this medication.
You can help protect your baby from RSV by:
- Keeping him away from people who are sneezing or coughing
- Making sure everyone who touches the baby has clean hands
- Keeping your baby away from crowds of people
- Not allowing anyone to smoke near your baby
(by marchofdimes.com - BABY.TopResource.NET Reference)
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