Protect your baby from RSV this winter

There’s nothing quite like seeing your loved ones hold your newborn baby for the first time. But before your baby is showered in kisses and cuddles, it’s important to be aware of RSV – a virus that peaks in winter and can sometimes lead to serious health complications in babies.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. Around 90% of children get RSV by the time they are aged two, and for most it presents as a mild, cold-like illness.

However, studies show up to 40% of those children will develop complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

• Bronchiolitis: A chest infection that can sometimes cause breathing problems and require hospital treatment.
• Pneumonia: A lung infection that can lead to serious breathing difficulties and requires immediate medical attention.

Studies also indicate that a severe RSV infection in infancy is linked to an increased risk of developing asthma as a result of impaired lung development and immune system responses to the infection.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

For most people, RSV presents as cold-like symptoms. In babies, this can look like:

• Feeding less than usual
• Irritability and being generally unsettled
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Tiredness
• High temperature

However, it is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms worsen and your baby develops any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty feeding
• A cough that gets worse
• Shortness of breath
• Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
• Grunting
• Wheezing when breathing
• Pulling in muscles under their ribs

These symptoms could indicate complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

How should I treat my baby with RSV?

Your baby may tend to feed less, but keep offering the breast or bottle to keep their fluids up. You can use a nasal aspirator to suction mucus from their nose to help with breathing. Ensure they get plenty of rest, and they should recover within 1 or 2 weeks.

However, if you are worried that your baby is not recovering as expected or symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately.

How can I protect my baby from RSV?

1. Get the RSV vaccine: This is recommended for pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect your baby from birth.
2. Wash your hands regularly: Wash them for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and ask visitors to do the same, especially before they hold your baby.
3. Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu symptoms: RSV is easily spread through coughs and sneezes, so delay introducing them to your newborn until they are better.
4. Don’t smoke around your baby: Second-hand smoke can increase the risk of RSV, so ensure visitors smoke outside, well away from your baby.

Speak to the experts at YourGP

If you would like further advice on how to keep your family healthy, talk to the team at YourGP. Book your appointment today using our simple online booking system. Or you can email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 381 0322 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.