What exactly is RSV? RSV is an abbreviation for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Sneezing, wheezing, phlegm, and a runny nose are all symptoms of the common cold virus. It is especially dangerous for people over the age of 65 and small children, especially those under the age of two. RSV has been on the rise in toddlers over the last six months. What if we said that the current increase in RSV cases is actually due to COVID-19 measures lowering the risk? Although this virus is widespread around the world, its frequency has leveled off in the last two years. This could be as a result of COVID-19 measures and masking for improved protection. The following are ten methods to help avoid RSV in children:
Cover Coughs And Sneezes
RSV is extremely infectious. When hacking or sneezing, use a tissue, arm, or elbow to conceal the pathogens that could infect others. When tiny drops of water are expelled during a cough or sneeze. They can contaminate others if we do not cover them up. Cover up your coughs and sneezes, particularly if you’re around tiny children!
Washing Hands
Hand washing is an effective way to eliminate pathogens. Certain pathogens have been shown to remain on the skin for up to a few days. This is critical for RSV protection because those germs can survive on the hands for up to 30 minutes. Washing our hands after handling a frequently used area helps to keep germs at bay. So, remember to always cleanse your hands in warm water with detergent for at least 30 seconds.
Close Contact
We realize that infants are adorable and that we want to embrace or kiss their heads, but doing so distributes our germs. Please do not be offended if a parent requests that we not handle their infant. They are only concerned with keeping their kid secure. Furthermore, children frequently place their feet and palms in their mouths! To prevent RSV germs from spreading, we must keep our distance from a child’s face and hands. RSV is extremely infectious and can be transmitted through the air and contaminated surfaces. So, if you’re going to be around children, cleanse your hands.
Sterilize Frequently Touched Areas
High-traffic areas can be sterilized to help avoid the spread of RSV. Doorknobs, tablets, tables, and seats are a few instances. Millions of germs live on these surfaces and can be detrimental to infants. These germs can live on ubiquitous objects for several days or even weeks! Yuck! To avoid the transmission of pathogens, disinfect and sanitize your hands frequently. Especially at home, the supermarket, school, and in the vehicle!
Avoid Contact With Those Who Are Sick
If you’re feeling ill, remain at home! When individuals who are ill do not remain at home, it puts others at risk of contracting the illness. RSV spreads by the transmission of bacteria. That is why, if there appears to be someone ill around the kid, get them out of there!
Limit Time Spent In Daycare
Daycares are known to be infested with billions of pathogens. They’re teeming with children. I mean, how could they not be? The quantity of time children spend in daycare can significantly increase their risk of contracting RSV. Daycares do their best to sanitize everything, but toddlers will touch anything they can get their paws on. This isn’t necessarily a negative thing; toddlers are just being kids. Children typically make other children ill by frequently touching the same items and placing their hands on their mouths or faces. Limiting a child’s time in childcare reduces the number of pathogens he or she can have.
Avoid Environments That Contain Smoke
Inhaling smoke can actually increase the child’s danger of getting RSV. Children, who are more vulnerable to serious sickness, are particularly vulnerable to smoke inhalation. Making ensuring the child is not in a smoke-filled environment can actually help reduce the danger.
Make Sure Booster Shots Are Up To Date
Parents have the freedom to choose whether or not to vaccinate their offspring. If a family decides to protect their children, make sure the booster injections are always up to current. Both the Flu and Covid-19 immunizations have been shown to help avoid RSV infection.
Wear Masks
Wearing masks can help to avoid illness from spreading from person to person. This is a very useful prevention strategy because many people think it is the reason RSV numbers dropped during COVID. This is not limited to RSV, as many cold-like symptoms have been reduced as a result of mask use!
Teach Child To Not Touch Their Face Too Much
Of course, babies will be babies and they’ll want to touch everything. It’s because they are actively learning about the world around them through touch. That said, preventing them from getting sick is really important. Try using soft booties to keep their feet out of their mouths. Plus, don’t forget your baby-friendly hand wipes to clean fingers! As they get older teach them to avoid touching their face or putting their hands in their mouth.
It can be hard for parents to distinguish between RSV, the flu, and even COVID, since the symptoms are so similar. Only a pediatrician will be able to make a diagnosis of RSV. If the child experiences cold-like symptoms along with symptoms of dehydration, or if your child refuses to drink, eat, or is not peeing as usual. As well as episodes of paused breathing; Gray or blue color to tongue, lips, or skin, which is a sign of low oxygen levels; or, decreased activity and alertness. Make sure to take the child to the pediatrician if there is any thought of RSV.