Having a newborn or infant is one of the greatest joys in life. However, it’s important to protect your baby from contagious and potentially harmful conditions, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Touchpoint Pediatrics provides personalized care for children in Chatham, New Jersey, and throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond. Learn more about the new RSV medications for babies and how they can help protect your child.
What Is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus is a virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Due to this, it can be easily spread, especially between children, through coughs, sneezes, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Most people come down with infections throughout the fall and winter, as children go back to school and people spend more time inside.
The virus shares many symptoms with other conditions, including the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19, which can make it difficult for parents to identify. The symptoms also vary based on the age of the infected person, with children and adults typically seeing light congestion, mild headaches, and elevated temperatures.
RSV in babies and toddlers can show similar symptoms, as well as other symptoms like decreased appetite, difficulty eating or feeding, changes in breathing, and loss of interest in activities. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if your baby or toddler is dealing with any of the following:
- Noisy breathing
- Flared nostrils during breathing
- Pauses while breathing
- Short, shallow, or quick breaths
- Blue or gray lips, mouth, or fingernails
- Chest caving and belly expanding when breathing
It’s important to recognize the symptoms of RSV in infants because what may appear to be a simple cold that a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or sibling may have could be RSV. As people get older, they develop a stronger immune system to fight off RSV. However, babies and immunocompromised adults don’t have the ability to fight off RSV, and some will end up in the hospital or worse. By recognizing the signs of potential RSV, you can get your child to the doctor, diagnosed, and treated promptly.
What RSV Medication for Babies Should You Consider?
Because babies are still developing their immune systems, the effects of RSV can be far more severe than they would be for older children or adults. Its presence can also lead to other complications, including bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia, as well as the worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma. Fortunately, medical professionals have worked hard to find ways to help prevent and treat infections in babies and infants.
There are two preventative medications that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help protect against RSV. They are monoclonal antibodies that are used to prevent the spread of RSV. They are specifically designed for neonates and infants who are entering their first RSV season or children up to two years old who may still be vulnerable to the virus through their second RSV season.
Another smart way to prevent RSV in your child is to get vaccinated during your pregnancy. Mothers should consider this during weeks 32 to 36 of their pregnancy, as it lasts up to six months after the child’s birth.
While mild cases of RSV may go away on their own within a week or two, if you’re looking for treatment options, medical experts may recommend oxygen therapy or the use of a ventilator to help the child breathe more effectively. They may also receive an IV to help replenish their fluids and prevent dehydration.
Keep Your Baby Safe with Touchpoint Pediatrics
As parents, you want to do everything possible to help your children. When the fall and winter months roll around, this means looking into RSV medication for babies, allowing them to stay safe and healthy as they grow.
Located in Chatham, New Jersey, and serving families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond, Touchpoint Pediatrics features a passionate and knowledgeable team of 100% board-certified pediatricians. Our Touchpoint pediatricians provide personalized care for children and babies, including preservative-free vaccines. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
