NATIONAL RSV AWARENESS MONTH

National RSV Awareness Month occurs in October and lasts an entire month. We are using this awareness day to help people learn about RSV and the dangers it causes to someone's health.

#RSVAwarenessMonth

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a very common, yet dangerous virus that infects the respiratory tract of most children before they turn two. The virus is extremely contagious, too. For the majority of infants and children who get the RSV, it causes nothing more than a cold. But for a small percentage, it can be life-threatening.

The chance of RSV becoming more severe is most common for babies born prematurely, children under age 2 born with heart or lung disease, infants with weakened immune systems, and children 8-10 weeks old. There is good news, though.

A few decades ago, research showed that RSV caused up to 4,500 deaths in the U.S. every year. Now, studies show that number has dropped dramatically. Experts say now, only around 100 babies die annually because of RSV. The decrease comes from major advancements in healthcare.

HOW TO OBSERVE #RSVAwarenessMonth

Use #RSVAwarenessMonth to post on social media. If you are pregnant or have a newborn baby, keep an eye out for RSV symptoms just in case your child acquires the infection. Above, we have the risk factors listed. Here are some of the symptoms to look for in your baby.

Your infant is having trouble breathing.
Your child has a cough that is producing yellow, green or even gray mucus.
They are unusually upset or inactive.
Your baby is suddenly refusing to breastfeed or bottle-feed.
Be sure to be on the lookout for signs of dehydration as well. A lack of tears when crying, little or no urine in the diaper, and/or cool, dry skin could all be indicators of RSV.

And remember, if your child is very tired, breathing rapidly, or has a blue tint to his or her lips or fingernails, seek professional medical help immediately.