What is RSV and How Can the Synagis Vaccine Help Protect My Child?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral disease of the lungs. It usually manifest itself as a cold in adults and older children, but can cause serious problems in infants. RSV can cause lower respitory infections, breathing problems, pneumonia or even death.

According to statistics, over 125,000 infants are hospitalized annually with Respiratory Syncytial Virus, resulting in more than 500 deaths.

RSV can be contracted by placing your hand in your mouth after you have come in contact with an infected person or surface. It can also be contracted by being in close proximity of an infected person who sneezes or coughs.

The Synagis Vaccine can help protect your little ones from the effects of RSV. The Synagis shot is injected into the leg muscle, once a month, during RSV season, which last from November thru April. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing and/or reducing the severity of RSV infections and the number of hospitalizations each year.

Infants who are a product of multiple births, have lung disease, low birth weight, heart disease, and those born prematurely are at a higher risk to contract a serious form of Resipritory Syncytial Virus. If children under the age of two are going to be put in situations where the risk of exposure is iminent, Health professionals stress the importance of the vaccine.

Due to the overwhelming expense of the vaccine, it is not an option for a lot of families. One shot can set you back a thousand dollars or more. If you calculate that by five or six times a year, well, you do the math.

There are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of infection. Wash your hands frequently, avoid placing children in crowded situations(e.g. daycare, grocery stores etc.) don't smoke around your child, keep your child's toys sanitized and never let anyone with a cold come near your child.

If you have questions or concerns about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) or The Synagis Vaccine, you should talk to your healthcare professional.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics