RSV in kids: What parents need to know about symptoms, care, and prevention
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common respiratory viruses, but it’s often mistaken for a cold. RSV made a name for itself after the COVID-19 pandemic from a spike in RSV infections and hospitalizations among children in 2022 brought it notoriety.
But RSV has long been a major cause of respiratory illness in children. It’s so common, in fact, that nearly every child gets respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at least once before age 2. It is also the leading cause of hospitalization in the United States among children under age 1.
Vaccines are given to young infants, people who are pregnant, adults over age 75, and people age 50 to 74 who are at an increased risk for RSV.
Vaccines will be available through M Health Fairview and M Health Fairview Pediatrics ahead of virus season. Older adults can receive the vaccine now and into RSV season. Infants can start receiving it around October. People who are pregnant can be vaccinated this season if they have not been vaccinated for RSV in previous seasons. Your prenatal care provider can order the vaccine for you.
Vaccines can be scheduled via MyChart, by calling 855-Fairview, or online with Fairview Pharmacy.
We asked Pediatrician Anna Milz, MD, who sees patients at the M Health Fairview Clinic – Tamarack in Woodbury, to tell us more about RSV and vaccines.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common illness that, like the flu, peaks seasonally in the fall and winter. Nearly all children are infected with it at least once by the age of 2. In rare cases, RSV can be serious for infants and older adults, causing severe inflammation in the lungs, pneumonia, and other respiratory illnesses. In fact, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants in the United States.
What are common signs of RSV?
RSV resembles the common cold. Most cases are mild and will resolve on their own. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms like coughing, congestion, a sore throat, and low-grade fevers. The symptoms appear 4-6 days after the child becomes infected, and usually go away within a week or so. Consider seeking medical attention for young children who have severe cold-like symptoms and develop high fevers, display low energy, have difficulty breathing, or have trouble drinking or sleeping.
How is RSV treated?
No medications treat RSV after infection has occurred. RSV clogs airways, making it harder for infants to drink and breathe, so treatment of severe cases generally involves assistance with breathing and fluid intake.
Can RSV be prevented?
In addition to standard hygiene practices like washing hands and avoiding close contact with others, two options are available that help to prevent RSV severe cases among children:
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For young infants, A monoclonal antibody medication called Nirsevimab, is available. While it functions differently than a vaccine, it is given by injection and provides similar protection against severe infections. It has been shown to reduce the risk of RSV-related hospitalizations and healthcare visits by about 80%. Protection is expected to last at least five months.
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For birthing parents, a maternal RSV vaccine, called Abrysvo, is a single-dose vaccine given to people in their 32nd to 36th weeks of pregnancy. Protection is passed along to the unborn child, who receives antibodies against RSV. If the vaccine is given at least two weeks prior to delivery, most infants will not need the monoclonal antibody medication.
How is M Health Fairview administering these preventive options?
RSV vaccines are offered in M Health Fairview primary care clinics during a routine office visit. You can also schedule via MyChart or by calling 855-FAIRVIEW, or at a Fairview Pharmacy location.
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Given to people who are pregnant, the maternal RSV vaccine helps protect the baby from RSV at birth and up to 6 months of life.
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In infants under 8 months of age, the monoclonal antibody medication is offered to infants who are entering their first RSV season – typically between October and March – if their birthing parent didn’t get the maternal vaccine, can’t remember if they got it, or if the baby was born within 14 days of their parent receiving the maternal vaccine.
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For kids 8 to 19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease, the recommendation is a dose of Nirsevimab shortly before or during their second RSV season.
Your or your child’s healthcare provider is the best person to answer questions or talk out concerns.
