Bringing Security & Wellness to Babies and Families: New Preventive Medicine Now Available to Protect Babies & Toddlers from Severe RSV Infections
The good news is there is a new preventive medicine that is now available to babies and at-risk toddlers to help protect them from RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
By bonneville on November 4, 2024
This article about RSV is sponsored by Intermountain Healthcare.
With the cooler days comes RSV, a respiratory virus that puts babies at risk for serious disease and sends thousands of Utah children to the hospital – with some requiring intensive care.
The good news is that there is a new preventive medicine that is now available to babies and at-risk toddlers to help protect them from RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).
The new medicine, the monoclonal antibody Nirsevimab, is FDA-approved and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“This preventive medicine is a game-changer,” said Neal Davis, MD, medical director of Intermountain Health Children’s Health. “Even with last year’s limited supplies of Nirsevimab, we saw fewer children with RSV, and fewer hospitalizations.”
“With a more robust supply this year, we’re hoping more children can get it to significantly reduce their chances of severe RSV, which fills up Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital each year with very sick children,” Dr. Davis added.
Clinical studies show that Nirsevimab reduces the risk of severe RSV disease by about 80%. One dose of Nirsevimab protects infants for at least five months, the length of an average RSV season.
Protection is most effective in the weeks right after Nirsevimab is given and lessens over time. Nirsevimab does not provide long-term protection against RSV disease, but it does protect infants when they are most at risk of getting very sick from RSV.
Which Children Should Get the RSV Shot?
- All children under 8 months old, during their first RSV season.
- Children 8-19 months who are at extreme risk for severe disease as they enter their second RSV season.
- Some babies may have protection from their mother if she received an RSV immunization during pregnancy.
What is RSV?
RSV is a highly contagious, common respiratory virus that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and direct contact with infected surfaces. It is the leading cause of bronchiolitis, a lung infection that can result in severe illness, especially in infants.
RSV season typically begins in the fall and continues through the early spring. Every year in the United States, RSV is linked to thousands of hospitalizations, hundreds of deaths, and millions of clinic visits in children under the age of 5.
RSV Symptoms in Babies Include:
- Breathing difficulties:Pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds, flaring of the nostrils, head bobbing, rhythmic grunting, belly breathing, and tugging between the ribs or lower neck
- Irritability: Fussiness, decreased interest in playing, and seeming very tired.
- Decreased appetite:Eating or drinking less than normal.
- Other symptoms:Runny nose, congestion, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and blue coloration of the lips or mouth.
RSV symptoms usually appear in stages, and not all at once. They may not be severe when they first start but can become more severe a few days into the illness. You should call your healthcare professional if your baby is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.
How Can You Protect Your Baby During Respiratory Season:
- Get the Nirsevimab shot, which is covered by Medicaid, CHIP, and most private insurance plans including Select Health.
- Get the flu vaccine, recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.
- Get updated COVID-19 immunizations for everyone ages 6 months and older.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your sneezes and coughs.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick whenever possible.
For more information, ask your pediatrician or health care provider, or visit Intermountain Health’s website at intermountainhealth.org.
Disclaimer: The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition.
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