5 Common Misconceptions About RSV, the Leading Cause of Hospitalization in Babies Under 1

When your child starts off sneezing or coughing, it’s tempting to publish it off as the frequent chilly. A lot of parents really do not understand, although, that these signs can also be symptoms of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), an an infection that can guide to far more intense respiratory health problems like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Even if parents are aware of RSV, several really don’t have a total being familiar with of what it is—or that it’s the top lead to of hospitalization for babies under 1. Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and mother-of-a few Nicole Sparks, MD, expert this firsthand when her son contracted the virus at 18 months. Since his preliminary signs and symptoms seemed like a operate-of-the-mill cold, Dr. Sparks and her partner weren’t in particular anxious — till he begun wheezing and his breathing became substantially much more shallow and speedy. “What we considered was ‘just a cold’ could have quickly progressed into a little something that was substantially even worse,” she says.

While options for treatment of RSV itself are limited, medical professionals can handle its signs, and Dr. Sparks’s son made a comprehensive recovery. The expertise inspired her to use her own experience and health care experience to teach other moms and dads about some of the common misconceptions about RSV. Retain reading to learn 4 of the most popular myths — and what mom and dad need to know.

Fantasy #1: Only Small children Can Get RSV

However RSV is most common in children—in point, two out of a few toddlers will get RSV by age 1—Dr. Sparks states older people can deal it as nicely. “Anyone, like adults, can get RSV. Odds are, if your boy or girl has RSV, you likely have it too—you just might not show any signs and symptoms,” she describes. Nevertheless, RSV is substantially more severe in toddlers beneath 1: Most hospitalizations arise in infants below 12 months previous with RSV, in accordance to Dr. Sparks.

Fantasy #2: RSV Is Precisely Like the Common Cold

The signs or symptoms of RSV and the common chilly glance incredibly identical at very first: sneezing, cough, runny nose, and lowered appetite. Unlike a normal chilly, even though, the signs or symptoms of RSV can escalate to labored respiration, wheezing, and fever—and can even have to have hospitalization. “It is far more serious than the prevalent chilly due to the fact it can lead to bronchiolitis. This is when the extremely small airways of the lungs get infected and swollen with mucus,” Dr. Sparks says. Simply because bronchiolitis will make it difficult to breathe, RSV is specifically harmful for toddlers below 1.

Myth #3: You Can Only Get RSV in the Winter

Like the flu and the prevalent cold, RSV is most widespread in the winter. That is not the only time of year you can get RSV, while: Dr. Sparks claims it is also typical in the tumble and spring.

Fantasy #4: There’s No Will need to See a Health care provider For RSV

It is effortless to write off seemingly minor signs and symptoms like a runny nose or occasional cough, but Dr. Sparks says it’s important to continue to be vigilant if you discover any signs and symptoms of RSV in your children. When in doubt, it is improved to workout an abundance of caution. “If your boy or girl has cold symptoms that are persistent or related with problem respiratory, speak to your doctor proper absent,” she clarifies. Dr. Sparks also endorses obtaining a reduce threshold to get in touch with your health care provider if your child is less than 12 months aged.

Myth #5: There’s No Way to Avert RSV

While there’s no way to warranty you or your family will not deal RSV, you can get preventative measures to lessen the possibility. Dr. Sparks suggests training excellent cleanliness by washing your fingers commonly and teaching youthful kids handwashing competencies early, as RSV can survive for up to 30 minutes or far more on the arms. “Studies have shown that infection of infants often follows an infection of older siblings who could be asymptomatic,” she clarifies.

Other behaviors like keeping away from touching your deal with, disinfecting usually touched surfaces like telephones and doorknobs, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze can also limit the unfold of RSV. These preventative measures—in addition to retaining a watchful eye out for any signs of RSV—can assistance retain your loved ones healthier. As Dr. Sparks states: “Recognize the signs and search for treatment method early if they are worsening or persistent.”