Preventing RSV in Infants
Newswise -- During cold and flu season, parents of newborns -- particularly those with premature infants -- should take precautions to prevent RSV infection. RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common, highly contagious and potentially serious virus, says Waldemar Carlo, MD, UAB neonatologist.
RSV infects almost all children before the age of two. Most get cold-like symptoms and fight off the virus easily. But some, especially premature infants, become seriously ill because their lungs aren't fully developed. Parents can help prevent RSV by keeping sick children and adults away from baby during RSV season - fall through spring - not smoking in the home or near baby, and washing their hands before touching baby.
Source: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Robust infectious disease surveillance, including rapid subtyping of influenza A, is essential for early detection, containment, and public health reporting of novel viral threats.
