Doctors and worried parents have spoken out and urged people to avoid kissing babies, especially on their faces, as a deadly virus is on the rise.
Respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] is a fatal virus that can be mistaken for a common cold easily. Particularly exposed to the virus are infants due to their fragile immune system and frequent contact with other people.
In order to prevent unnecessary deaths, experts have been warning parents and other family members not to kiss babies, especially on their faces, because they can infect them.
“Respiratory syncytial virus just causes a lot more inflammation and secretions in the airway then some of the other typical viruses,” pediatrician Tiffany Hill said as she explained the difference between RSV and the common cold.
While the symptoms, including fever, cough, and runny nose, are the same, RSV can last much longer whereas there is no specific treatment for it.
“In the younger children, it can be more serious and cause a lot of issues and even hospitalizations,” Dr. Hill added. “It’s really symptomatic care. So fluids, humidifier, saline washes.”
While there may be no treatment, a parent can do a lot to prevent the virus from infecting their little ones.
According to Dr. Hill and other doctors, the best prevention is to practice good hygiene and not let people kiss them on the face. It is also important to disinfect dirty surfaces that may carry pathogens.
“If you have a younger infant, you’re really the stopping point for the illness, so I really recommend the parents you know, take that and get vaccinated or any caregivers and then again, just reiterating really good handwashing,” the pediatrician added.
“There is such a severe case that, you know, they’ll get transferred to Dallas and they end up being intubated, and then they just cannot air it, those lungs and the babies will pass away.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always seek professional advice if you have any concerns about an existing or potential medical condition.
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