As we head into the cold and flu season, we know parents have a lot to be concerned about when it comes to baby’s health. We are committed to shining a light on parent stories and want to share one pediatrician’s take on not just the signs and symptoms of RSV but how monitoring can make an impact.
By: Dr. Erin Pierce
RSV, three letters that cause much concern and worry for parents.
RSV is the most common cause of annual winter outbreaks of lower respiratory tract disease in infants and young children. Worldwide, RSV is responsible for 3.4 million hospitalizations, each year, in children under 5 years of age. Almost all children are affected by age 2 years.*
In the United States, the typical season of RSV runs between the months of September – April.
Transmission occurs through nasal secretions, cough or touching of infected objects (toys, drinkware and door handles). Try not to think about the local grocery cart handle – the number and types of infectious particles that live there can be scarier than Halloween.
Hospitalization in the first year of life with those most frequently affected are less than 1 month of age. To give perspective, for all children under two, 6.3% per 1000 will require hospitalization. The percentage increases to 14.4 % per 1000 in those less than 6 months of age and 25.1% per1000 in those around 1 month of age.* Keep in mind that if your child has underlying health issues, such as prematurity, congenital heart disease, congenital respiratory disease or metabolic disorders. They are at an increased risk of severe infection and hospitalization.
Symptoms of RSV
For all ages, RSV presents with mild to moderate upper respiratory tract symptoms. Those may include nasal congestion, drainage and low-grade fever. For some, the virus progresses to include lower respiratory tract symptoms that include cough, tachypnea (fast breathing), and increased respiratory effort.
Respiratory effort is noted by monitoring the appearance of your child’s chest. Here’s some advice to help you identify your child’s respiratory effort:
- LOOK to see if there are retractions (skin sucking in between ribs), abdominal breathing (tummy moving in and out to assist breathing)
- LISTEN for unusual breathing sounds like wheezing or grunting. Rapid changes in the appearance of your child are common with RSV.
- If you note these lower respiratory tract symptoms, please see your physician as soon as possible; however, if your child appears very ill, go directly to the ER. Never be afraid to activate 911!
How Using Your Owlet Monitor Can Help
An Owlet monitor can provide important health data during times like RSV. Here are some additional things you can watch for at home:
- Lower oxygen saturations (below 90% means call your physician right away)
- Elevated heart rate
- Poor sleep quality
- Pauses or changes in breathing (can be a presenting symptom of RSV even before mild congestion and fever develop)
Treatment for RSV
Treatment is supportive. Currently, there are no antibiotics or antiviral medications that stop the viral infection or lessen symptoms. Pay close attention to maintaining good hydration. For infants that means frequent, small feedings through the day and night. You should have a humidifier running to keep moisture in the air. Have nasal saline drops and suction bulb on hand. Your physician may recommend using a nebulizer with saline or albuterol to help with periods of cough and wheezing. Keep in mind that each day is different; nebulized albuterol may not be helpful on day #1 but may be helpful for your child on day # 4 or # 5. Try positioning your child in an upright position to keep nasal secretions draining. Monitor your infant closely for choking with cough or feedings, this is common when nasal secretions are abundant.
Prevention is key and the options for prevention are improving each year. We are now able to offer maternal vaccination during pregnancy and Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody injection after birth, for infants. Speak with your physician to see if either of these preventative options are right for you and your family. Other ways you can keep your baby healthy include:
- Being open and honest with friends and family.
- If you are ill, do not hold or kiss the baby.
- Wash hands frequently, avoid touching your mouth, nose and face.
- Keep secondhand smoke away from your child.
These steps and empowering yourself through education and resources can help your family get through what can be a scary time.
Author Bio:
Dr. Pierce is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame and earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Dr. Pierce earned her Medical School degree from the University Of Nebraska College Of Medicine and completed her Pediatric residency as part of the Creighton Nebraska Universities Health Foundation. In the year, prior to joining Norfolk Medical Group – Pediatrics, she served as chief resident. Dr. Pierce is board certified by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Pierce is trained to manage the care and treatment of diseases during childhood and the growth in infants, children and adolescents. She monitors growth and development of a child according to important motor and intellectual milestones. She is also trained to recognize congenital defects.
As your physician, I will try to do my best to discuss your concerns, problems and treatment options and provide you quality medical care. Your questions are always welcome. Working together is the most effective way for a healthier child.
*Source: Measuring the Burden of RSV in Children to Precisely Assess the Impact of Preventive Strategies
The quotes, stories, and experiences included here are those of the individuals and are not representative of Owlet's views or claims about our product. Individuals were not paid and did not submit their information as part of any paid promotion by Owlet.
The content provided on this health blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have and to learn more about your child's specific needs.
Dream Sock® is intended to track baby's pulse rate and oxygen level and keep parents informed. BabySat® is a prescription-only device. Dream Sock and BabySat are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or other condition, including but not limited to, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Medical decisions should never be made solely using Dream Duo and Dream Sock data. BabySat (prescription-only), Dream Duo and Dream Sock should not substitute for the care and oversight of an adult or consultation with medical professionals.
