RSVWhat Every Parent

Needs to Know

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in infants less than 1 year old› RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis

and pneumonia in children under the age of 1 year

› Each year, RSV hospitalizes up to 125,000 children under the age of 1 year

› RSV affects almost all children by their second birthday

› RSV is a seasonal illness usually lasting from fall to early spring (November-April)

Symptoms of RSV

Most infants have symptoms similar to other respiratory infections:› Coughing› Sneezing› Runny nose› Fever› Decreased appetite› Wheezing

Very young infants may only experience these symptoms:› Irritability› Decreased activity› Breathing difficulties

Fast breathing Nostril flaring Caving in of chest

› Bluish color around mouth or fingernails

Symptoms of RSV

Illness usually begins 4 to 6 days after exposure

May begin with runny nose and decreased appetite

Coughing, sneezing, and fever usually develop 1 to 3 days later

Full recovery from illness is usually 1 to 2 weeks

Who is at risk for RSV?

All Infants under the age of 1 year are at risk

Those with increased risk:› Children less than 2 years with chronic lung

disease Weaker lungs cannot fight infection

› Children less than 2 years with congenital heart disease Weaker hearts cannot fight infection

› Children with compromised immune systems Weaker immune systems cannot fight

infection

Who is at risk for RSV?

Those with increased risk:› Infants who were born at or

before 35 weeks gestation Preterm lungs take longer to

develop Preterm infants have weak

immune systems

› Infants 12 weeks or younger at the beginning of RSV season (typically November)

› Infants who have preschool or school-aged siblings

› Infants who attend daycare

Who is at risk for RSV?

Those with increased risk:› Infants who live with 4 or more family

members› Infants who are exposed to tobacco smoke› Infants who are twins, triplets, or other

multiples› Infants born less than 5 ½ pounds› Infants with a family history of wheezing or

asthma

How do I prevent the spread of RSV?

The best way to prevent the spread of RSV is to WASH YOUR HANDS!

Keep infants away from those who are sick or who have cold-like symptoms

Do not let your infant share bottles, cups, pacifiers, and eating utensils with others (including parents)

How do I prevent the spread of RSV?

Do not let others kiss your baby Wash your children’s clothes, towels,

blankets, bedding, and toys often Limit visiting areas with large crowds

during the cold, winter months Never let anyone smoke around your

baby

How do I prevent the spread of RSV?

For those with increased risk due to chronic illness or being born premature:› In addition to the other suggestions, you

should keep your infant away from other infants and children if possible Limit time siblings spend around the infant Avoid taking your infant to settings such as

daycare and church Avoid taking your infant to places with large

crowds, such as Wal-Mart or sporting events

How do I prevent the spread of RSV? For those with increased risk due to

chronic illness or being born premature:› Ask your doctor about a medication called

SYNAGIS Does not prevent RSV infection, but helps

protect your infant from severe RSV infections that may lead to hospitalization or death

Contains virus-fighting antibodies Given by injection every 28 days throughout

RSV season Important to stay on schedule in order to provide

your infant with best protection

What to do

If you think your baby has RSV, call your doctor as soon as possible or seek emergency medical attention

Remember the best way to prevent the spread of RSV is to WASH YOUR HANDS!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Respiratory syncytial virus. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

World Health Organization. (2009). Clean care is safer care. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gpsc/en/

Synagis Palivizumab. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.synagis.com/