Op-Ed: Respiratory Therapist Highlights Importance of RSV Protection for Infants
Kelly Bowers – Respiratory Therapist
Childhood vaccines continue to be a major point of discussion here in North Carolina and across the country. As a respiratory therapist, I help patients of all ages manage and treat breathing and cardiopulmonary disorders. For babies with breathing issues, this care helps strengthen lung function and overall respiratory health. Given how even minor respiratory issues can be serious for small, vulnerable infants, I encourage parents to have personal conversations with their doctors about vaccines so they can make carefully considered, medically supported decisions.
One of the most concerning illnesses for young infants is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is a dangerous respiratory illness that is currently spreading at a rapid pace this season. Several counties across North Carolina have already reported a spike in cases, with experts worried that the worst is yet to come.
For infants with already small airways, congestion from RSV can cause significant issues in their ability to breathe. In severe cases, children may develop wheezing, show signs of dehydration, or experience a gray or bluish tint to their lips. These complications not only lead to hospitalization, but can also cause long-term damage to a child’s lungs, airways, or heart.
However, after years of research and development, safe and effective immunizations now help protect young children from severe RSV complications. On top of that, clinical research has demonstrated that the FDA-approved RSV immunizations can reduce severe RSV cases and dramatically lower hospitalization rates. As a result, parents can have greater peace of mind knowing their child has strong protection against RSV.
While significant progress has been made in the fight against RSV, that progress only matters if we put it into practice. The RSV season typically runs from October through March. To stay ahead of this infection, babies born before the start of RSV season should receive protection at least two weeks before the season begins. Babies born during RSV season should be immunized as soon as possible, within their first week of life. In light of some confusion, this advice is backed by doctors and the Department of Health and Human Services’ latest recommendation to help parents protect their babies from the most serious effects of RSV.
With so many respiratory illnesses floating around this winter, I am glad that we have access to a safe, dependable way to tackle RSV. To help protect babies from serious infection and reduce the chance of hospitalization, I encourage families in North Carolina to take advantage of this option and talk with their personal doctors about the RSV immunization.
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