November 4, 2005

The Best Wealth is Your Health

The ‘baby’ virus: Respiratory Syncytial Virus

By Dr. Meena Sathappan
Special to the Times

While we are in the throes of the flu season, it is important to realize that not all cold and flu-like symptoms can be attributed to the influenza virus. A particular type, called Respiratory Syncytial Virus, predominantly affects children.

RSV infects almost all children at least once before they are 2 years old. It is also the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis, which is a swelling of the small airways. Each year, of the 125,000 children who are hospitalized with RSV infection in the United States, about 500 die.

Who is at risk?
Those at highest risk include babies less than 6-weeks-old and preterm infants born before 32 weeks of pregnancy, as their lungs often are under-developed. Babies born with severe heart or lung disease and those born with immune system problems, including those due to cancer or organ transplants, are also at risk.

Ways RSV spreads
November to April is the typical season for RSV infection, though there could be seasonal variations by region. RSV occurs only in humans and is highly contagious. The virus can live for several hours on a surface such as countertop, table, playpen or unwashed hands. It is spread by direct or close physical contact, which includes touching or kissing an infected person or contact with a contaminated surface.

Symptoms of RSV
In healthy children, it may manifest with common cold-like symptoms, including runny nose, coughing and low-grade fever. Signs of severe infection include difficult or rapid breathing, wheezing, irritability/restlessness and poor appetite.

Protection from RSV infection
Parents play a pivotal role in preventing their children from being exposed to RSV, especially in the first few months of the child’s life. Here are some precautions you can take to reduce the risk of exposure:

- Make sure everyone washes their hands before touching your baby
- Keep your baby away from anyone who has a cold, fever or runny nose
- Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke and crowded areas like shopping malls
- If your infant is in the high-risk category, keep them home and away from day-care centers

All high-risk infants, starting at 6 months of age, and their contacts should be immunized against influenza.

If necessary, take only specific medication prescribed by a pediatrician or physician.

Treatment for RSV infection
Most cases of RSV infection are mild and disappear on their own within five to seven days. However, if your baby is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms, a nasal secretion test, performed by a physician, would help determine the root cause of the infection. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.

If your infant shows any of the above symptoms, please call your pediatrician/physician right away and ensure that your child gets immediate medical help. It behooves every parent to take adequate preventive measures towards protecting your loved ones.

Finally, as the Scottish proverb says, “A cold needs the cook as much as the doctor.” So, eat right and stay healthy!

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Dr. Meena Sathappan is a board-certified pediatrician who lives and practices in Evergreen. She is available for questions and consultation at Aasha Pediatrics, 2060 Aborn Road, # 230, San Jose, Calif. 95121 (on the corner of Aborn Road and Capitol Expressway). You can call her at (408) 274-9099, or e-mail her at msathappan@gmail.com. Web site: www.aashapediatrics.com.