RSV immunizations are now available through UT Health East Texas clinics, offering new protection for children against serious illness as respiratory virus season nears. Cases of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, are expected to increase in the coming months, prompting medical professionals to highlight prevention methods for families in Tyler and surrounding areas.
Dr. Christina Barreda, a pediatric pulmonologist with UT Health East Texas and an associate professor of pediatric pulmonology at the UT Tyler School of Medicine, explained that RSV is a very common respiratory virus, with most children contracting it by the age of two. For many, symptoms resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, nasal congestion, and coughing. However, Dr. Barreda noted that for some individuals, particularly infants and older adults, RSV can lead to severe symptoms. These can include wheezing, significant coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
In young children, RSV can cause bronchiolitis, a condition marked by substantial inflammation in the small airways of the lungs. Babies infected with RSV may develop numerous secretions in their nose and small airways, which can make eating and breathing more challenging. Bronchiolitis is identified as the leading cause of hospitalization for children under one year old in the United States, underscoring the seriousness with which doctors regard RSV.
There are currently two primary RSV immunizations available to help protect babies. A baby needs only one of these immunizations, which work by providing babies with antibodies to fight the virus. These antibodies begin working almost immediately after administration. Infants who receive an immunization have a significantly lower risk of needing hospitalization due to RSV infection.
Families should consider RSV protection for most babies who are between 0 and 8 months of age during the typical RSV season, which generally runs from October through March. An exception applies if the mother received the RSV vaccine more than 14 days before giving birth. Additionally, some older babies and toddlers, specifically those aged 8 to 19 months who are at a higher risk from RSV infection, should also receive the immunization. Dr. Barreda advises families to consult with their pediatrician to determine if their baby would benefit from this protection.
Recognizing RSV symptoms can be difficult, as they often overlap with other respiratory viral colds. Symptoms can include a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and sometimes difficulty breathing. Children may also experience a fever or become very fatigued. While a nasal swab test for RSV exists, it is not always perfect or necessary, as care is primarily guided by a child’s symptoms.
Parents should seek medical attention if a child shows signs of increased work of breathing. These signs include nose flaring, head bobbing, or skin tugging in at the neck or between or underneath the ribs more than usual. Other reasons to consult a doctor include trouble feeding, especially if the child appears dehydrated and produces less than one wet diaper per eight hours. If a child becomes lethargic, or if a caregiver is simply worried, medical evaluation is warranted, according to Dr. Barreda.
Beyond immunization, families can take other steps to reduce the risk of RSV transmission. These preventative measures include practicing good handwashing and avoiding bringing babies around individuals who are sick. If older children will be near a baby, caregivers should instruct them not to touch the baby’s face or hands. This precaution is important because babies often bring their hands to their mouths, increasing the risk of spreading infection.
The availability of these immunizations provides a new layer of defense for the youngest residents of Tyler and East Texas as the community prepares for the annual respiratory virus season.
