RSV Season

It's that time of year again here in Canada. Cold/Flu season, and with that I wanted to shed some light on RSV ( Respiratory Syncytial Virus ). Many may not know as I did not know either RSV can be more serious than a cold for some babies. Kayde being one of those babies, and me being his momma I feel it's my duty to spread the word/educate/raise awareness/talk and just simple share what I learn along my way. Kayde will be getting 5 injections of SYNAGIS7 this season. ( Nov-Mar ). 1 a month.  


What is  RSV ?
-RSV is a common virus in infancy and early childhood. Almost all children will have been infected with RSV by age of 2-3.1-3

- RSV infections tends to happen from Fall to Spring in temperate climates such as Canada, RSV season may vary by region.1 Best to ask your doctor when RSV occurs in your local area.

Is your baby at risk of getting very sick from RSV ?
- RSV causes symptons similar to the common cold in many children.3 But in certin cases, most often in premature babies (preemies) and in children under 2 with certin lung conditions or heart disease, RSV can cause infection of the lungs, When this happens babies become very sick and may need to be hospitalized.
-RSV can cause pneumonia and is the most important cause of bronchiolitis during 1st year of life.1,2

Premature Babies ( preemies)
-Your baby is at greater risk of RSV if he/she was born prematurely before 33 weeks of pregnancy, and is under 6 months of age at the start of RSV season.1

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurs most commonly in preterm infants who received long -term mechanical ventilation and high oxygen concentrations.4

Congenital heart disease (CHD)
- There are several different types of CHD. Some types can increase the risk of developing a serious form of  RSV  disease. If your baby has  CHD, ask your doctor for more specific information.1,5

What are the symptoms ?
The symptoms of RSV may be like cold at first and can include:

- Fever
- Runny nose
- Other cold like symptoms1,3

The symptoms of RSV may get worse after it gets into the lungs. These symptoms can include:

- Deeper & more frequent coughing
- Difficulty breathing, including wheezing ( a whistling sound) and rapid breathing
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breast-feeding or bottle-feeding3

Is it easy to catch RSV ?
Yes, it is easy....

- RSV is a very common virus that is spread by any physical contact such as touching, kissing or shaking hands with an infected person.1,6
- The germs are also spread through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.1,6
- RSV can live for hours on a countertop or on used tissue.1
- RSV infection is very common in crowded living areas and daycare centers.1,6
These are all the reasons why you must be very careful and take steps to prevent your baby from being exposed to RSV.

Helpful steps to reduce the risk

- Wash hands with alcohol hand rinse or warm water and soap before touching baby.1
- If you have a cold or fever, gently hug instead of kiss your baby.6
- Keep anyone with a cold symptoms or fever away from your baby.
- Try to keep your baby away from crowded places (such as daycares,malls, large family gatherings,ect.)1,6
- Do not smoke around the baby. Ban smoking inside your house.1

RSV
What you need to remember

It is highly contagious. Following the suggestions will help you reduce the risk of your baby catching RSV infection. If you have any questions you should contact your doctor or nurse.

REFERENCES:

1. The Hospital For Sick Children. About Kids Health. Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV), Infection and Incidence. 
3.Canadian Lung Association. Diseases A-Z. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
4. The Hospital For Sick Children. About Kids Health. Premature Babies Chronic Lung Disease.
5. The Hospital For Sick Children. About Kids Health. Heart Conditions. About Heart Conditions.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Pervention. RSV: Frecuently asked questions.
7.SYNAGIS (palivizumab) Product Monograph, Abbott Laboratories Limited. April 11,2006.