What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV, is a viral infection that is common. RSV attacks the respiratory system. It is highly contagious. It mostly affects infants/young children and older adults due to having weaker immune systems. It is important to understand the risks of the virus as well as how to protect young children from getting it.

When is RSV season?

RSV season is like flu season and typically starts in the month of September and goes through February. Areas that experience colder winters typically will have longer seasons of RSV. The virus spreads more easily in these colder climates.

How common is RSV and what are some symptoms that I should be aware of?

The CDC states that all children will contract an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. In 2019, it was estimated that 33 million lower respiratory infections affecting children younger than 5 years old across the globe were caused by RSV. Two in every three children not protected against the virus will require hospitalization due to onset of severe symptoms.

The virus typically starts off as a very mild infection that will result in cold like symptoms such as:

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Fever

However, the infection can get worse and can even lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation in the airways of the lungs) or pneumonia. Severe symptoms of the infection include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Eating and drinking less

These symptoms may cause the child to need to go to the hospital.

How do I know if my child is at increased risk for severe infection of RSV?

Infants who are at increased risk of getting an RSV infection with severe symptoms include the following:

  • Being born premature, especially before 29 weeks of pregnancy
  • Being younger than 12 weeks old
  • Having school aged siblings
  • Having a chronic lung disease
  • Having any issue that causes the immune system to not work as well
  • Having a disorder making it hard to swallow or clear mucus
  • Having chronic heart disease

How can I stop the spread of RSV and avoid contraction?

RSV is highly contagious and very common in young children and infants. The virus spreads through “respiratory droplets” which are produced mainly through breathing, sneezing, and coughing. You can also touch the virus on a surface and put your hands toward you mouth or nose, introducing the virus into your body. Some practices of good hygiene we can use to try and stop the spread include:

  • Washing your hands
  • Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Disinfecting surfaces regularly
  • Staying home if sick or wearing a mask if going out is necessary
  • Avoiding close contact with others
  • Avoiding touching the face
  • Vaccination

What is available to protect my children from this virus?

Pfizer has recently developed a method of protection against this virus. Abrysvo™ is a vaccine used to vaccinate pregnant mothers to lower the chance of the baby getting RSV or developing severe RSV. There are a few things that you should know and talk to your doctor about before getting this vaccine:

  • This vaccine is recommended for all birthing women who are weeks 32-36 of pregnancy between the months of January to September.
    • You can receive the vaccine regardless of the month. The vaccine is effective for 6 months and additional coverage by be required.
  • The vaccine is a one-time dose that works by passing through the mother and providing protection to the child.
  • The vaccine is most effective if given close to RSV season.
  • If you have had bad reactions to vaccines in the past, you should talk to your doctor about alternative options.

What if I was not vaccinated during pregnancy but am worried about my child contracting the virus?

If you were vaccinated and your child is still at increased risk of the virus, or you weren’t vaccinated in the first place, there is a solution! Nirsevimab is an RSV medicine given to an infant or child that has been proven to help prevent contraction and development of RSV symptoms. Talk to your doctor about nirsevimab to see if this could be the right choice for your child.

References

  1. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) preventive antibody immunization information statement [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2023 [cited 2024 Jan 18]. Available from:https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/rsv/immunization-information-statement.html
  2. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection in Infants and Children [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jan 18]. Available from: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infection-in-infants-and-children

Written by:

John McCrane

Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate 2024

Philadelphia College of Pharmacy