Is RSV Seasonal?

RSV isn’t a new virus, but it seems like everyone is talking about it this year. If you’re wondering why, there are two main reasons. First, we’ve seen surges in RSV cases over the last two winters following the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, the respiratory virus has been a hot topic in the medical community and among parents, with the introduction of new (and sometimes hard-to-find) vaccines for infants and pregnant women. The good news for this season is that vaccines (previously limited to high-risk babies in some areas) are now more widely available in pediatricians’ offices. In other good news, CDC data show that seasonal RSV may have peaked for the 23-24 season.

What Is RSV And Are Kids At Risk?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common respiratory virus: 90 percent of kids will get it before they turn two. Symptoms are often mild and manifest like a cold in older children. A week or two of rest and fluids at home is often all it takes for healthy children. However, RSV can cause severe respiratory infections in some patients, including babies and young children. It’s the most common cause of hospitalization in American infants, according to the CDC, with 58,000 to 80,000 children hospitalized each year. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia in children under a year old. Children at higher risk for complications from RSV include preemies, babies under six months, children under two years old with chronic lung disease or a congenital heart defect and children with weakened immune systems or neuromuscular disorders.

Is RSV Seasonal?

Like the flu, RSV is a seasonal virus that usually peaks in winter. The season begins in the fall and lasts into the spring.

What Are RSV Symptoms in Children?

In most cases, RSV symptoms are similar to colds or other respiratory viruses. In babies, symptoms can include a fever of 100.4 or higher, a wet or dry cough, runny nose, congestion and sneezing. Children and toddlers may have similar symptoms, plus headache, low energy, sore throat and lack of interest in eating and drinking. RSV is cause for concern when it causes inflammation or infection of the lungs. Signs it’s time to call your pediatrician or take your baby to the hospital include noisy breathing, flaring of the nostrils, blue or gray color in the lips, mouth, or fingernails, the chest caving while breathing, and rapid or shallow breathing.

How Can I Protect My Baby From RSV?

As of the fall of 2023, two options for preventing RSV in infants exist. Pregnant women can get an RSV vaccine in the third trimester that will protect their baby after she’s born. Most infants don’t need the vaccine if their mother was vaccinated during pregnancy since the antibodies transfer to the baby. If mom does not get the maternal vaccine, infants under eight months and older babies with high-risk conditions can get the new Nirsevimab vaccine. The CDC recommends getting the RSV vaccine for babies born during peak season within a week after birth. If your baby is born later in the spring or summer, get her vaccinated before her first RSV season in the fall. Your pediatrician may recommend another dose before the baby’s second RSV season if she has conditions that put her at higher risk of complications.

Can I Get The RSV Vaccine From My Pediatrician?

Do you feel like your family can’t catch a break from sickness this winter? You’re not alone. It’s been a challenging season for many of our families, with multiple viruses circulating. The great news is Loudoun Pediatric Associates has the RSV vaccine for babies eight months and under. We expect fewer supply issues for next fall. We’re also working to get the maternal vaccine on patients’ radar screens for future seasonal protection. As always, contact our office with concerns about your child’s respiratory symptoms. We’ll keep working to help parents keep their kiddos healthy while we all eagerly await spring.