What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common easily-spread virus. You've probably had RSV disease and thought it was just a bad cold. In fact, nearly all children will get their first RSV infection by age two.
Most people with a RSV infection suffer moderate to severe cold-like symptoms. For some babies, RSV disease can be more serious, it's the #1 cause of hospitalization in infants in the U.S.
That's why it's important to know who's at high risk for severe RSV disease.
Babies born prematurely at 32 weeks or less
Babies born with certain types of heart disease
Babies with chronic lung disease
What can I do to help prevent my baby from getting RSV?
•Teaching your children and care providers to practice frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom (including diaper changes) and before eating. You should also frequently wash toys and other objects that your children put in their mouth and all other surfaces.
•Avoid close contact with other people who are sick. Make sure that your day care has a strict policy about excluding children with contagious illnesses.
• Don't let anyone smoke around your baby. If you do smoke, simply smoking outside is usually not enough to decrease your child's risk of problems.
Do most babies only get RSV in the Winter?
RSV infections are seasonal, and in the United States, most infections begin in November or December and continue until March to May. So, the RSV season extends from November to May.
Is there anything else I can do to help my baby from getting a severe RSV infection?
Synagis is the only FDA-approved medication to help protect high-risk babies from severe RSV disease. Even though Synagis is given as a shot by your healthcare provider, it's not a vaccine and it works differently. Each Synagis shot provides a dose of virus-fighting substances called antibodies that help prevent severe RSV disease from infecting your baby's lungs.
There are enough antibodies in one Synagis shot to help protect your baby's lungs for about 28-30 days. That′s why it′s important to get every single shot on schedule during RSV season.
How do I get my child the Synagis injection and why don't all babies receive this shot?
All babies do not receive this injection because of the cost. The cost per injection is around $900.00 and needs to be given monthly throughout the entire RSV season. Insurance companies will pay for babies who are at higher risk for RSV to receive the injections, but, your pediatricians office will have to work with the insurance company to get prior authorization.
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