Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-shul) virus (RSV) is a very common virus. RSV usually causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children. But premature babies or those with lung or heart problems have a high risk of getting very sick if they catch RSV early in life. This is because premature babies do not have fully developed lungs. Also, because they were born early, they may not have received virus-fighting substances (called antibodies) from their mothers that help them fight off RSV and other viruses.
Each year, an estimated 125,000 infants in the United States are hospitalized with severe RSV, the leading cause of infant hospitalization.1-5 Severe RSV infections may cause up to 500 infants deaths annually in the United States.6 RSV may also cause more long-term health problems, such as asthma.
RSV season usually starts in the fall and runs through the spring.7-10 But it can change. In some areas of the United States, RSV season may last all year. Ask your child’s healthcare provider when RSV season occurs in your area. If your baby is at high risk for RSV disease, be sure to discuss additional protective steps you can take during your baby’s next appointment. Learn more about risk factors for RSV disease.
Some RSV Symptoms
Usually, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and fever. However, in some babies, the symptoms can quickly get worse.
Call your healthcare provider right away if your baby has any of these symptoms:
- Persistent coughing
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Problems breathing or gasping for breath
- Blue color of the lips or around the mouth
Worsening symptoms can be severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. That is why it is so important to help prevent RSV.
References
- Leader S, Kohlhase K. Ped Infec Dis J. 2002;21:629-632.
- Glezen WP, Taber LH, Frank AL, et al. Am J Dis Child. 1986;140:543-546.
- Groothuis JR, Gutierrez KM, Lauer BA. Pediatrics. 1988;82:199-203.
- Nelson WE, Behrman RE, Kliegman R, et al. In: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 15th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: W. B. Saunders; 1996.
- Shay DK, Holman RC, Newman RD, et al. JAMA. 1999;282:1440-1446.
- Shay DK, Holman RC, Roosevelt GE, Clark MJ, Anderson LJ. J Infect Dis. 2001;183:16-22.
- Halstead DC, Jenkins SG. Continuous non-seasonal epidemic of respiratory syncytial virus infection in the southeast United States. South Med J. 1998;91:433-436.
- Ledbetter JC, et al. Incidence of infants and children with respiratory syncytial virus infection admitted to a children’s hospital during traditional seasonal and non-seasonal periods of time. Presented at the APS/SPR/APA meeting 2002. Abstract 2787.
- Mavunda K, Djokic B. Prevalence of RSV infections in S. Florida. Presented at the ATS meeting 2000. Abstract G55.
- Washburne JF, Bocchini JA Jr, Jamison RM. Summertime respiratory syncytial virus infection: epidemiology and clinical manifestations. South Med J. 1992;85:579-583.