As fall sets in, health experts are urging families to take precautions against viruses, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a leading cause of hospitalizations in children under five.
The American Lung Association (ALA) says RSV is so common that nearly all children are infected by age two. Symptoms often begin like a common cold but can worsen when phlegm builds in infants’ lungs, making breathing difficult. Many also experience dehydration and trouble feeding.
Two vaccines are now available to help protect infants. Dr. Juanita Mora, an immunologist and national spokesperson for the ALA, said expectant mothers can receive immunization between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, offering protection for up to six months. Babies should receive a follow-up vaccine eight months after birth.
“I have seen the wonderful, wonderful implications of getting these babies vaccinated and how it protects not only these babies from getting hospitalized, but the rest of the family members in the home, including the grandparents,” said Mora. ”This is one of the topics that I know hits hard, especially in underserved communities, which is why I love to go out and talk about protection so we can get our communities protected.”
Mora noted that most insurance plans cover the immunizations, which research shows can reduce infant RSV hospitalizations by 45% to 55% in the first year.
For more information on RSV vaccines and access sites, visit lung.org.
Image: Immunizations to Protect Infants (Credit: CDC.gov)