RSV Podcast (1)

RSV is a highly contagious virus that affects babies and small children under 5 and the elderly. It can quickly become severe and even fatal. Babies born full term with no health conditions are also at risk. It is the main reason for hospitalization in this age group. Knowing the signs and symptoms is important as they can be mistaken for a common cold. RSV season is from September to April. There is a vaccine available. Preventative measures include hand washing, avoiding contact if you are ill, wearing a mask, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. The CDC has more information on RSV. 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 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, runny 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 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. Learn more at www.cdc.gov