A recent dramatic spike in the number of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, in the state is a cause of growing concern for Texas families.
RSV is a very contagious disease that affects a person’s lungs with symptoms similar to a cold. It’s also relatively common in children from the fall to spring months. Most children who are infected suffer only mild cold symptoms, but it can become very serious if not treated, especially in babies.
Symptoms typically include:
– A high fever (or low fever if immunocompromised)
– Rapid breathing or other signs of difficulty breathing
– Wheezing
– Worsening, barking cough-
– Skin, lips or nails turn blue
“We are dealing with an increased amount of bronchiolitis right now when everyone hears the word bronchioltis or RSV they become very fearful because they’ve seen commercials about how scary it is,” said Dr. Tammy Camp, with Texas Tech Physicians Pediatrics. “But really we know that all children are going to get RSV by the time they’re two years of age. Most of them will get it within their first year of life.”
RSV can be spread by the touch of someone who has a cold, or through coughing or sneezing. If you, the parent, have a cold or fever, you may want to limit contact with the baby. Also, avoid exposing your baby to crowded areas like shopping malls, day-care centers, buses and large family gatherings. And as always: wash your hands, and try coughing/sneezing into your elbow.
If your baby shows any of the following symptoms as listed below, call a healthcare professional immediately:
– Rapid breathing
– Difficult breathing
– Gasping for breath
– Wheezing
– Coughing
– Blue lips or mouth
