RSV-three very scary letters for parents of premature infants.

What is RSV?
RSV stands for respiratory syncitial virus. It is a very common virus in the community from November through March of every year. In most people, infection with RSV results in annoying, but not life-threatening cold. In infants and small children, especially those who were born prematurely, infection with RSV can be much more serious.
Is RSV different in premies?
When RSV infects a premature infant, the virus has a tendency to settle in the small air passages in the lungs called bronchioles. The result is bronchiolitis, characterized by lots of swelling and mucous production in the air passages. This inflammatory process can cause severe coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. In infants in the first few months of life, RSV can also cause apnea or cessation of breathing. This is an extremely serious complication that can result in death if not detected.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
As with most viruses that cause colds and coughs, RSV is found in nasal secretions. It is easily spread from person to person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they send virus containing droplets into the air. These droplets can infect others if they are inhaled or come in contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes. Transmission can also result from direct contact with nasal secretions, kissing the face of a child with RSV for example; or indirect contact with the virus on an environmental surface like a doorknob. If an uninfected person touches the doorknob, then rubs his eyes or nose, he can easily become infected.
How can RSV be prevented?
There is no effective vaccine to prevent RSV, but there are some simple, cheap, and effective ways that people with cold symptoms can keep from spreading RSV.
1. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 15-20 seconds.
3. Avoid sharing cups and eating utensils with others
4. Refrain from kissing others when you have cold-like symptoms
Frequent cleaning of contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, computer keyboards and telephone handsets can also reduce transmission.
There is a drug call palivizumab (Synagis) that can help prevent severe RSV infection in those at highest risk for complication including very premature babies, babies with serious heart disease, children with weakened immune systems. Palivizumab consists of antibodies against the RSV virus. It is given as a shot once a month during RSV season. Your health care provider can tell you if your child would benefit from this drug.

- Dr. Fran Lynch, MD, Neonatologist