Infants and young toddlers most at risk for the disease
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Dr. Kathleen Vedock of Dublin Primary Care talked with FOX21 Morning News anchor Grace Polanski on the Monday, Dec. 15, "Family 411" segment about the seasonal disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Six cases of RSV have been confirmed at Memorial Health Systems since September this year. Symptoms are an upper versus lower respiratory involvement.
RSV is a common childhood illness that normally occurs in children younger than age two. Adults can also catch the disease, though it is not a serous illness in healthy adults.
In children, the disease can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia if not treated. Children at greatest risk are those who have severe lung and heart disease, premature infants and children who are immunocompromised.
RSV normally occurs between November and April of each year.
It is spread either by direct contact or aerosolozed droplets from infected people, according to Vedock.
Prevention tips for RSV include:
* Good hand washing
* Avoid second-hand smoke
* For premature babies or young children with severe heart or lung diseases, there is a monthly shot of RSV antibodies that can help prevent the infection. This shot is indicated for a select population.
* The flu vaccine does not prevent RSV.
* Avoid crowded areas and daycare if possible.
No antibiotics can cure RSV, Vedock explained.
Some warning signs of RSV include difficult or fst breathing, wheezing, high fever, extreme tiredness, and gray/blue or pale skin color.
Click on the camera icon to view the segment as it aired on FOX21 News.
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