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An Rx for RSV This cold-like virus hits some infants hard As a child, you probably never heard of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But today it’s better known, and doctors believe RSV is the most common cause of respiratory infections in young children. RSV is prevalent in Hawaii. “We know that many children are infected in their first year of life and essentially all children are infected by age 2,” says Galen Chock, M.D., pediatrician and vice president, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Hawaii Chapter. RSV outbreaks usually hit in late fall, winter or early spring. “We have no way of predicting at the beginning of a season whether it’s going to be a particularly severe season or not,” says David K. Shay, M.D., a medical epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV usually causes mild symptoms — “often very much like a common cold, at least initially,” says Dr. Chock. Signs include a stuffy, runny nose, coughing, slight fever and sometimes wheezing. Symptoms may linger a week or two. Ask your pediatrician about fluids, rest and medication to reduce fever. RSV can cause a more severe lower respiratory infection, such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia, with coughing, wheezing and severe difficulty breathing that may lead to a low level of oxygen in the blood. When to seek treatment How can you tell if your child’s infection is serious? If your child is laboring for each breath — nostrils flaring, grunting, coughing, unable to drink or sleep — “that’s a child I worry about and would advise parents to seek medical assistance,” says Dr. Chock. Who’s at risk “Young infants tend to have smaller airways, making their breathing vulnerable,” explains Dr. Chock. “RSV can be life threatening for some young children.” Kapi`olani Medical Center is working with the RSV Consensus Committee of Hawaii, composed of local pediatricians and pediatric specialists, and the Hawaii Chapter of the AAP to ensure that children at risk are identified so they can receive monthly injections of the preventive medication palivizumab. Please contact your doctor if your child falls into one of the following at-risk groups: Galen Chock, M.D. Less than 6 months of age, and born premature at 32 weeks or earlier Less than 12 months of age, and born premature at 28 weeks or earlier Less than 24 months of age with congenital heart disease Less than 24 months of age with chronic lung disease Heading Off RSV You can help limit RSV. “It is spread by close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, particularly in group settings like day care,” says Dr. Chock. To avoid infection: Wash hands often. Use tissues on runny noses. Avoid smoke and dust. Avoid unnecessary exposure to crowds. Avoid contact with sick people.