rsv

RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children. It causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. It is highly contagious and is spread by coughing and sneezing. Sneezing and coughing releases droplets into the air which can land on things. If someone touches an item exposed to these droplets and then touches their own nose or mouth, they are exposed. Due to the contagion of this disease, almost all children have had it by the age of 2! Most parents chalk it up as a bad cold but, in some children, it gets diagnosed as the child gets sick enough to be seen by a doctor. The best way to prevent it is frequent handwashing and staying away from anyone with a cold (very hard to do!). At-risk kids (premies, those with immune system issues, etc.) can be given a monthly injection of a medication consisting of RSV antibodies from November to April. The protection is short lived so has to be given frequently and so is also recommended only for those at high risk. Since RSV is viral, an antibiotic will not help. The disease must run its course. Medications can be given to make breathing easier. Sometimes, hospitalization is necessary...usually for infants or those with respiratory issues. I'm an R.N.