RSV

Oct 16, 2024 | News, Wellness Care

by: Darren T. Scoggin, MD – Children’s Medical Group, Jackson, MS

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a very common infection in young children, particularly those in childcare centers. Children who are infected often have a significant amount of nasal drainage and congestion, as well as a cough that can be dry or productive. Fever may accompany RSV infection and can be present for several days. In many children, infection with RSV may appear similar to a “common cold” with simple upper respiratory symptoms, but the illness may be much more severe in certain populations. RSV is a leading cause of hospitalization due to respiratory distress and may also lead to secondary infections such as ear infections and pneumonia. The children most vulnerable to complications from RSV are infants (especially those less than 6 months of age) and young children with pre-existing conditions such as extreme prematurity or chronic lung disease.

There is an effective, new method of protection against infection with RSV by administering an antibody shot to help provide immunity against this virus. The shot has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization by about 80% and reduce the risk of ICU admission by about 90%. Those babies who receive the shot and then later develop RSV are expected to have a much milder course than without the shot and are at lower risk of complications from the illness.

The RSV shot is approved from birth to 8 months in healthy babies and up to 19 months in high-risk infants. It can be given along with other regularly scheduled vaccines, including the flu vaccine. The shot is expected to provide protection for about five months and is intended to be received during the traditional “sick season” beginning in October through the winter months. If you have any questions about the RSV shot, or if you would like to schedule your baby to receive this protection, please call our office at 601-362-8776.

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