Coughing, sneezing, wheezing? High fever and no sleep? Your child may have RSV!
RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common seasonal infection usually peaking in January. This condition is most noticeable in our young patients. Their airways are smaller, and minor inflammation can lead to serious breathing issues. As a parent or caregiver, it can be frightening to see your child struggling to breathe. In fact, many children end up in the ER or hospital over the winter months with this virus. Unfortunately, there are no antiviral medications (or antibiotics) that work on this virus.
However, there is NOW a vaccine for our most at-risk population. This immunization is called Nirsevimab, trade name Beyfortus. October through March, infants under 8 months old can receive this immunization to prevent severe disease from RSV. Just like any immunization this is not a guarantee that your child would not get RSV, but greatly reduces the risk for infection and serious illness.
Pregnant mothers can receive the RSV vaccine that will protect their newborn in the uterus. The mother will pass the antibodies to the child during pregnancy, thus protecting her vulnerable infant. This vaccine is called Abrysvo and is available at most pharmacies. OB patients at 32-36 weeks gestation should get vaccinated in September through January.
Preventing the spread of RSV is critical to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. First, hand washing is critical. Cover your cough or avoid social situations if you are sick. All adults 75 and older should get vaccinated. Additionally, adults 60 and older with certain medical conditions should get vaccinated. If you have diabetes, chronic lung conditions, cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions you should also get vaccinated against RSV.
Help protect our newborns and keep yourself and loved ones out of the hospital! Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should get the RSV vaccines this fall.
– Paul Lacey, MD is a graduate of the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and is the current Medical Director for the ISU Family Medicine Residency Program located at Health West ISU. Dr. Lacey graduated from the ISU Family Medicine Residency program in 2011 and has spent the last 13 years practicing in Tonasket and Omak, WA.
