RSV Podcast

Sherry Chavez, a medical professional, shares information about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is highly contagious and primarily affects babies and children under 5 years old and the elderly. Premature babies are at higher risk, but 72% of cases occur in full-term babies with no health conditions. RSV can quickly become severe, leading to hospitalization and even death. Chloe and Lily, born around the same time, both caught a cold. Chloe's mom took her to the doctor, but her test was negative. Lily's mom let the cold run its course, but it worsened. Chloe ended up in the hospital with wheezing, while Lily was diagnosed with RSV and hospitalized twice. It's important to know the signs and symptoms, as they can be mistaken for a common cold. Seek medical attention if needed. RSV season typically runs from September to April. A vaccine is available, so consult your doctor. Taking preventive measures like handwashing and avoiding Hi, my name is Sherry Chavez. I have been in the medical field for over 30 years and was surprised to learn new facts about respiratory cynical virus, better known as RSV, a highly contagious virus. RSV affects babies and small children under 5 years old and the elderly over 65. I am going to concentrate on babies and small children. Babies that are premature are at a higher risk, but 72% of RSV cases are babies that were born full term with no other health conditions. RSV can rapidly change from being mild to severe and requiring hospitalization and in some cases causing death. RSV is the number one reason babies and small children are hospitalized. We have two children, Chloe and Lily. They were both born around the same time at the same hospital. Lily attends daycare while Chloe is being watched by her grandmother at home. Chloe's family is in the medical profession and hand washing for at least 20 seconds before holding her is required. They wear masks when they have a cold or avoid being around her altogether. They both had developed a cold. Chloe's mom took her to the doctor to be tested and it was negative. Lily's mom let the cold run its course using over the counter medication to make her comfortable. It only got worse. Chloe's mom took her to the hospital when her breathing could be heard with wheezing. Lily was diagnosed with RSV and placed on antibiotics and oxygen therapy to help her breathe. Several months later, Lily again got sick and tested positive for RSV a second time and was hospitalized. Learning about the signs and symptoms is important as they can easily be confused with a common cold. They are coughing, running nose, sneezing, a fever, not being hungry, and wheezing. Seeking medical attention is always good. Learning about your area's season for RSV in most areas, it runs from September through April. An RSV vaccine has been developed and you will want to speak with your doctor regarding it. RSV can go from a common cold to hospitalization within a week. Two out of three babies will get RSV before the age of one and babies are 16 times more likely to be hospitalized with RSV. Preventative ways to avoid the spread are washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before touching the baby or small child, avoiding contact if you are ill or have flu-like symptoms. If you cannot avoid them, then wearing a mask will help reduce the spread, ensuring to cover your mouth while you are coughing or sneezing, and washing your hands afterwards. Learn about RSV and what you can do to reduce the spread. The Center for Disease Control has a lot of information available to parents and caregivers of small children. The more you know, the more potential you have to avoid its spread. Thank you for listening and caring about the babies and small children in your life.