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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common, seasonal virus contracted by nearly 100 percent of babies by their second birthday. Although RSV is extremely common, many parents are unaware of the dangers that RSV presents to their children. It's highly contiguous and only about 1/3 of mom's are aware of the virus. RSV disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States, with approximately 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 400 infant deaths each year.

What's RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common seasonal virus, contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, and typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full-term babies. RSV is most prevalent during the winter months. The CDC has defined the “RSV season” as
beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.

Who's at risk?
All babies under the age of two. However, preemies are most at risk for developing much more serious symptoms, including a serious respiratory infection (severe RSV disease) from the virus, because their lungs are underdeveloped and they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection.

What are the symptom's?
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:

• Severe coughing, wheezing or rapid gasping breaths
• Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails
• High fever and extreme fatigue

How can I prevent RSV?
RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Since there’s no treatment for RSV, parents should take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:

• Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently
• Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid large crowds and people who are or have been sick
• Never let anyone smoke near your baby
• Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

 The quick ABC's of RSV
A is for Awareness: RSV disease is responsible for one of every 13 pediatrician visits and one of every 38 trips to the ER in children under the age of 5.
B is for Babies: Premature babies—defined as those born before 37 weeks gestation—are most at risk for developing severe RSV disease because they have underdeveloped lungs and fewer antibodies to fight the virus than babies born full term.
C is for Contagious: Learn the symptoms of severe RSV disease and contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits any symptoms.

Talk to your baby’s doctor to find out if your baby is at high risk for severe RSV disease. If the doctor says your baby is at high risk, ask what you should do next. To get more information visit www.RSVprotection.com