In the coming months you’ll hear lots about colds and flu. They’re important, for sure, but there’s one more illness you’ll want to know about if you have a baby – especially one who was born early. Pediatrician William P. Hitchcock, M.D., sent in this article to help fill you in.

By William P. Hitchcock, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Assistant Clinical Professor, U.C.S.D.
La Jolla Pediatrics/ La Costa Pediatrics

As we approach the winter season, many parents will be watching their children for symptoms of colds, flu, and the newest seasonal bug, H1N1. Most parents don’t know, however, about another virus that’s both prevalent and contagious this time of year, which can be very dangerous to some children, especially those born prematurely.  

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, results in twice as many pediatric hospitalizations as the seasonal flu. Worse yet, RSV can be hard to detect, with symptoms similar to the common cold. By educating yourself on the virus, you can take steps to protect your child from developing severe RSV infection this season.

What is RSV?
RSV is a virus that often results in an upper respiratory tract infection, characterized by a runny nose and fever. It affects nearly all children by their second birthday, and in most healthy children and adults, RSV simply causes cold-like symptoms that come and go within a week or two. In certain children, however, the infection often progresses to the lungs causing bronchiolitis exhibited by a severe cough, chest retractions and wheezing. This infection can be very serious in many babies; in fact, RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the United States.

In most of North America, RSV is prevalent in epidemics from fall to spring. “RSV season,” as it’s often called, varies by geography and from year to year. For example, in places with warm climates it often starts as early as June. To find out what time of year your baby is most susceptible to RSV, consult your pediatrician. Read on …