Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory disease that primarily affects infants, children, and the elderly, especially those with weakened immune systems. As interest in RSV has increased recently, experts are emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to limit the spread of RSV. Here are some top tips to protect yourself and others from RSV:
Dr. Inspira Health, a pediatric hospitalist at Nemours Children’s Health. According to Dr. Haytham Hamwi in a recent interview: parents.com, He says RSV spreads when people infected with the virus cough or sneeze. Tiny virus droplets then spread into the air, and individuals can become infected by inhaling the virus or touching a contaminated surface.
“The virus can also be spread by touching surfaces such as toys, doorknobs and tables, where it can survive for several hours,” he said in an interview. “It may hurt to touch these surfaces and then touch your face. Another way it spreads is through direct contact, such as kissing or hugging a sick person or touching used tissues.”
RSV can pose serious health risks if infected. Read on to learn how parents can help limit the spread, according to pediatricians and other health care providers.
Practice good hygiene
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of RSV is to wash your hands regularly. Experts recommend washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces in public places. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Disinfect all surfaces
RSV can survive on surfaces for several hours, so frequent cleaning of frequently touched objects such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls and cell phones is essential. Using a disinfectant that is effective against respiratory viruses can help kill the virus and reduce the chance of the virus spreading in your home or workplace.
Consider shots for your newborn
Dr. Jericho Bell, an internal medicine and pediatrician at St. Dominic Family Medicine in Madison, Mississippi, recommends that parents consider a new shot for their newborns. According to Bell, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is recommended for babies in their first winter and vaccination continues throughout the RSV season.
“This is a really cool shot that contains antibodies that last for about five months to protect the baby through the worst part of the first RSV season,” Bell said. parents. “I can’t tell you how excited we are to provide this product to our first young patients. Nirsevimab delivers immunity to the baby through ‘passive immunity’. This injection provides ready-made antibodies. “With nirsevimab, your baby is immediately protected.”
Limit contact with sick people
RSV spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. To prevent transmission, avoid close contact with people who are showing symptoms of RSV, such as coughing, runny nose, or difficulty breathing. In particular, it is important to protect high-risk groups such as infants, the elderly, and people with underlying diseases, as they are more vulnerable to serious complications from the virus.
Staying home when you or your child is sick
Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Nashville, Tennessee, says RSV is one of the most contagious infections and typically, if one family member becomes infected, everyone in the family becomes infected. This means that if anyone in your family is diagnosed, everyone should stay home!
“Sick children who have a very runny nose and cough, and certainly those who have had a fever in the last 24 hours, should be excluded from school and day care,” said Dr. Hannah Fotus Smitherman, director of the office of pediatrics at Texas Christian University. parents. “Trying to suppress secretions such as runny nose, coughing and sneezing will benefit everyone.”
Awareness and vigilance are key to protecting our communities from all diseases. Every little bit counts to limit the spread of this common and potentially dangerous virus, whose symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing and headache. If you suspect that you or a family member is infected, contact your health care professional immediately.
