Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most people, such as teenagers or healthy adults. Much like the flu, RSV is usually most prominent during the fall to spring months. While RSV is typically mild, it can be more serious for infants and young children, especially those under 5 years old. Each year, RSV sends thousands of children to the hospital with severe complications. Understanding the symptoms and how to protect children is essential for keeping them safe during RSV season.

At MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, we are committed to educating families about RSV prevention, providing top-tier care for children, and leveraging immunization to protect our youngest patients.

Understanding RSV: Why Infants Are Most at Risk

RSV is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Most children will have been infected with RSV by their second birthday. While many recover at home with mild symptoms, certain infants and children are at a higher risk of developing severe complications, including bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways) and pneumonia.

Infants most at risk for severe RSV include:

  • Premature infants: Their underdeveloped lungs and immune systems make them more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
  • Infants younger than 6 months old: They have limited immunity to fight off infections.
  • Children with chronic lung disease or congenital heart conditions: Pre-existing conditions increase the likelihood of severe illness.
  • Infants with weakened immune systems: Conditions such as immunodeficiency or undergoing certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can compromise their ability to fight RSV.
  • Infants with neuromuscular disorders: Difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus makes respiratory infections harder to manage.

Early signs of RSV infection in infants and children include:

  • Runny nose
  • Decreased appetite
  • Low energy or increased fatigue
  • Coughing that may worsen over time
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
  • Fever (not always present)

For parents, it’s critical to monitor these symptoms closely. RSV infections in infants can escalate quickly and recognizing warning signs can save lives. Most individuals do fine with RSV, so if your child is diagnosed with RSV, do not panic. Monitor your child’s progress, keep them comfortable and know that Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is here if you have any questions or need your child to be seen virtually or in person.

When to Seek Medical Care for RSV

While most infants and children with RSV can recover at home with supportive care, some may need medical attention. Parents should contact their pediatrician, primary care provider, or seek medical attention if they notice:

  • Severe difficulty breathing, including nasal flaring, rapid breathing, abdominal breathing, or pulling in of the chest muscles during breaths.
  • Pauses in breathing (apnea) or signs of cyanosis (blue or gray lips, tongue, or skin).
  • Persistent high fever, particularly in babies younger than 3 months.
  • Dehydration, indicated by a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours.

RSV symptoms tend to peak around day four or five. Parents should understand the natural course of RSV so they can manage the illness appropriately at home but also know when it’s time to seek medical care.

Advancements in RSV Prevention: A Game-Changer for Infants

Until recently, preventing RSV relied primarily on infection control measures, such as handwashing and avoiding sick individuals. However, new immunization options are changing the landscape of RSV prevention.

Nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody, is now available to protect infants from severe RSV. Unlike traditional vaccines that trigger the body to produce its own antibodies, nirsevimab provides newborns and infants with immediate protection against RSV. This is particularly beneficial for these patients who are too young to receive traditional vaccines. Nirsevimab is indicated for almost all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during or entering their first RSV season.

In addition, there is an FDA approved RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) for pregnant individuals. Administered during the third trimester, this vaccine allows mothers to pass protective antibodies to their babies, shielding them from RSV during the critical first months of life. Infants born to mothers who received Abrysvo during the pregnancy, typically do not require nirsevimab as well.

These preventive measures are monumental. By providing immunizations, like nirsevimab, and the maternal RSV vaccine, we are significantly reducing the risk of severe RSV in infants and preventing hospitalizations. This is a vital step in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

Recognizing Excellence in Infant Health

Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital’s proactive approach to immunization earned it the prestigious Immunization Friendly Birth Hospital Award from the California Department of Public Health. This recognition underscores our hospital’s commitment to providing preventive care that safeguards the health of infants and reduces disparities in health care access.

Every child deserves a healthy start in life. Our vaccination efforts demonstrate our dedication to early prevention and ensuring that every family in our community has access to the care they need.

Supporting Families Through RSV Season

Prevention and education are key to protecting families from RSV. While immunizations are a powerful tool, parents can take additional steps to minimize the risk of RSV and other respiratory infections:

  • Practice frequent handwashing: This simple step reduces the spread of viruses.
  • Avoid exposing infants to large crowds or sick individuals: Especially during peak RSV season.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly: RSV can survive on surfaces like toys and doorknobs.
  • Keep infants away from secondhand smoke: Smoke can irritate the airways, making it harder for infants to recover from respiratory illnesses.
  • Follow vaccination recommendations: In addition to RSV prevention, ensure your child is up to date on all vaccines, including the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

A Holistic Approach to Infant Health

At Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital, we strive to provide not only exceptional medical care but also a wealth of resources to educate and support families. Through the Injury Prevention Program, Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital offers infant CPR classes year-round to equip parents and caregivers with lifesaving skills and enhance their confidence in managing respiratory emergencies.

As RSV season intensifies, our team remains dedicated to reducing the impact of this virus through advanced care, immunization programs, and community education. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, we’re helping families navigate RSV season safely and giving our youngest patients the best possible start in life.