Each year, up to 80,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United States. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among all infants. However, new medical advances are protecting high-risk infants and some young children and providing hope.Risk FactorsAlmost every child will contract RSV at some point, but those at greater risk for severe illness and complications include:
- Premature newborns
- Infants up to 12 months old, especially if they are 6 months or younger
- Children under 2 years old with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease
- Children with weakened immune systems
- Children with neuromuscular disorders
New ProtectionIn 2023, two preventive immunization options were recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help protect infants from severe disease caused by RSV: a preventive antibody against RSV for high-risk infants and some young children, and an RSV vaccine administered between weeks 32-36 of pregnancy.
The RSV antibody is recommended from October to March and provides protection for at least five months after immunization. The RSV vaccine is recommended from September to January and provides protection for about six months after birth. Both immunization options are effective in reducing the risk of an infant being hospitalized for RSV; however, most infants do not need both. Talk to your doctor about the best option for your family.Symptoms: Most people, including infants, develop only mild RSV symptoms similar to those of a common cold, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough. You should call your healthcare provider if your child has difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough, or if symptoms are worsening.Always AdviceTo prevent RSV infections, families are also encouraged to follow healthy daily habits, such as:
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Clean frequently touched surfaces
- Stay home when sick and avoid close contact with others
- Avoid sharing cups, bottles, or toys
To learn more about RSV and disease prevention, visit lung.org/rsv.Source: StatePoint