Protecting Against RSV

According to the CDC, a virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is at epidemic levels right now in Indiana, with 24% of children tested for the virus showing positive results.  RSV is a very common and highly contagious seasonal virus that impacts nearly 100% of children by their second birthday.

RSV often has mild, cold-like symptoms, but in some babies, it can develop into a serious infection. In fact, RSV causes 1 of every 13 pediatrician visits in kids under 5, and is the leading cause of infant hospitalization. While all babies can potentially develop severe RSV disease, premature infants are at an especially high risk of becoming sick from the virus because they are born with underdeveloped lungs and immature immune systems.

This time of year, RSV spreads very easily through touching, and can live on surfaces (like countertops and doorknobs) for several hours. Unfortunately, once contracted, there is no cure for RSV, so protecting against this highly contagious virus is critical.

Indianapolis mom, Kera Healy, speaks to her own experiences with RSV from a parent’s perspective. Kera is the mother of Luke, who was considered a micro-preemie at birth. When he contracted RSV in October 2012 he was hospitalized for three days, where he received breathing treatments and was hooked up to an IV.