Healthy children can also be serious threat from RSV: StudyImage Credit Source: Getty Images
RSV i.e. Respiratory SyncyTial Virus is a common virus that affects the respiratory system i.e. nose, throat and lungs. It causes problems like difficulty in breathing, cough, cold and fever in most young children and infants. Many parents think that only weak or sick children are affected by it, but in the recent study it has been found that healthy and full-time babies can also be severely affected, especially in the first three months of birth. RSV infection may spread rapidly and in serious cases in infants may require recruitment in ICU. Therefore, this virus should not be taken lightly and it is very important to pay attention to the health of children.
Researchers at Karolinska Institute, Sweden, analyzed data of more than 23 million children born between 2001 and 2022. The study revealed that about 1.7% of children had RSV infection and about 12% of them had serious illness. In severe cases, the infant either admitted in ICU or stayed in the hospital for a long time. Study also saw that babies under three months of age are at the highest risk. In addition, taking birth in winter, having younger siblings or twins, suffering from low weight or any pre-medical problem, all these are all risky reasons. Study also stated that prevents for newborns and preventing pregnant women from pregnant women can help in preventing RSV.
How to protect against RSV?
It is very important to pay attention to initial warning signals to save children from RSV. Do not ignore problems like sharp cough, difficulty in breathing, fever or sleeplessness. According to the study, for all infants, even if they are healthy, it is very important to take care. For young children, home cleanliness, washing hands periodically, keeping distance from infected people and keeping dust-mud in the house low.
If serious symptoms are seen in the baby, then a doctor should be consulted immediately. It is also necessary to spread awareness about RSV so that parents can take care of their children in time. This virus is common, but serious consequences can be avoided with caution and timely help.
Take care of these things
Keep the hands and face of children regularly clean.
Keep the baby away from sick people. Take care of cleaning the house and cleaning of the air.
If you see cough, fever or breathing problem in the baby, contact the doctor immediately.
Use preventable treatment and vaccines available for newborns.
Take special care in winter.
Protect children from dust and mud and smoke.