RICHLAND, Wash. – Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV cases have increased as cold and flu season begins this according to the Centers for Disease Control. It estimates that every year, RSV causes between 58,000 and 80,000 hospitalizations and between 100 to 300 deaths. With a shortage of RSV vaccines, Dr. Aaron Richardson, a pediatrician from Kadlec Regional Medical Center, cautions you to be safe.
The CDC says babies under six months old and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk.
Dr. Richardson said, “Studies have shown that certainly, RSV would be a bigger concern for a younger child than COVID.”
According to Dr. Richardson, there is an antibody shot for infants; however, the nationwide shortage will be challenging to get. Richardson said to be aware of specific symptoms.
“A runny nose and occasional cough,” said Richardson. “What worries us is that sometimes it will progress to a more serious lung infection, something we call bronchiolitis, where the child might have a more severe cough, wheezing and difficulty feeding.”
Richardson said to use your discretion if your child has a mild runny nose or cough to take them to a pediatrician at your clinic. If they are having difficulty breathing, take them to the emergency department.
Richardson said with the shortage of vaccines, there is another option.
“The RSV vaccine for adults is available now for pregnant women,” said Richardson. “There’s one RSV vaccine for adults that’s for the elderly and another one that can be used for the elderly as well as pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks.”
Richardson said he recommends that all pregnant women get the vaccine to protect their babies after birth due to the shortage.
According to Richardson, to reduce exposure to RSV, wash your hands, avoid going to work if you’re sick and avoid sending out children to school if they have a frequent cough.
Dr. Richardson said these viruses get passed on very quickly and even if a child is older and can’t get severely sick from the virus, they could pass it on to someone who might have a young child at home or is immuno-compromised.
