The RSV Threats for Infants: Understanding the Risks and Prevention

Dec 16, 2024
Reading Time: 6 minutes

In our latest episode “The RSV Menace for Infants” with. Dr. Jimmy Mak, Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology, we dive deep into the threat that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses to the most vulnerable groups—infants and young children. Did you know that approximately 70% of infants contract RSV by the time they are one year old? Shockingly, over 50% of children hospitalized for viral respiratory infections are admitted due to RSV. In this episode, we explore why RSV is particularly dangerous for infants and how to handle it effectively.

What Makes RSV So Dangerous for Infants?

RSV is a common yet highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. While symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose may seem like a typical cold, RSV can lead to much more severe complications in babies.

Infants under 6 months are more susceptible to RSV infection. Infants under the age of 1 who contract RSV have a mortality rate 2.5 times higher than those who contract the flu! Dr. Mak explains the reasons:

  • Infants have narrower airways, and after being infected with the RSV virus, they are more prone to obstructive conditions such as bronchitis.
  • Babies love crawling on the floor, making it easy for them to come into contact with viruses.
  • Family members who are exposed to viruses outside the home can easily transmit them to infants.

Recognizing RSV in Babies

If your baby has contracted RSV, early detection and treatment are essential. Dr. Mak highlights common signs to look out for:

  • Difficulty Breathing: A baby having trouble breathing or breathing rapidly (more than 60 breaths per minute) is a major red flag.
  • Bluish Skin or Lips: This could indicate a lack of oxygen.
  • High Fever and Pale Skin: If these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical attention.

While RSV can start with mild cold-like symptoms, it can quickly escalate to something much more serious if not treated early.

The Risks of Untreated RSV

If RSV goes untreated, the consequences can be dire. As Dr. Mak explains, RSV can spread to the lower respiratory tract, leading to pneumonia or exacerbating pre-existing conditions like asthma. Even with treatment, infants who’ve had RSV are at a higher risk for developing respiratory problems in the future, including recurrent asthma.

Prevention and Early Treatment

The key to managing RSV is early medical intervention. If your child shows symptoms of RSV, it’s critical to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Dr. Mak stresses the importance of:

  • Seeking Early Medical Help: Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—early intervention can prevent severe complications.
  • Proper Medication and Hospitalization: If the infection is serious, hospitalization may be required, where oxygen and IV fluids are administered to help manage the illness.

Parents, being vigilant about these early warning signs is vital. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek help.

What’s Next?

In the next episode, we’ll turn our attention to RSV’s impact on the elderly, another vulnerable group. Stay tuned as we continue to explore the risks, treatments, and preventive measures of RSV across different age groups.

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Expert of the Day

Dr. Jimmy Mak

Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecology

  • MBBS (HK)
  • MRCOG (UK)
  • FHKCOG
  • FHKAM (O&G)