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Source: http://www.woai.com/content/health/...tonio-babies-with/YiCdAF3nx02213c3z6zYfw.cspx
Spike in number of San Antonio babies with serious respiratory illness
Reported by: Kristina De Leon
Email: KristinaDeLeon@woaitv.com
Last Update: 7:54 pm
SAN ANTONIO - There's a spike in the number of babies coming down with a respiratory illness in San Antonio. Doctors are calling it one of the worst years they've seen for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups. It makes it very hard for young children to breath.
Right now we?re in peak season for RSV. San Antonio doctors are floored by the number of kids they're seeing with it in emergency rooms.
?This is one of the worst years we've had for RSV -- certainly in the last six to eight years, we've not seen this number or this severity of the disease,? explains Dr. Thomas Mayes, Physician in Chief, Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital.
Dr. Mayes says most RSV cases are in children two years and younger, especially babies born prematurely.
?In little babies they typically will work hard to breathe. They may have wheezing and they may be severe enough to where they need oxygen treatment,? says Dr. Mayes.
There are some things you can look out for as a parent.
?If the baby has persistently high fever over a couple of days; if the child is lethargic; the child is not eating well; any of those would be indications to seek medical attention,? says Dr. Mayes.
A simple way to help prevent RSV infection is to wash your hands often, especially before touching your baby. It is important to make certain that other people, especially caregivers, take precautions to avoid giving RSV to your baby. The following simple steps can help protect your baby:
* Insist that others wash their hands with warm water and soap before touching your baby.
* Have others avoid contact with the baby if they have a cold or fever. If necessary, have them wear a mask.
* Be aware that kissing the baby can spread RSV infection.
* Try to keep young children away from your baby. RSV is very common among young children and easily spreads from child to child.
* Do not smoke inside your house, car, or anywhere near your baby. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of RSV illness.
In milder cases, make sure your child's nasal passage ways are clear, and make sure your children drink plenty of water.
Spike in number of San Antonio babies with serious respiratory illness
Reported by: Kristina De Leon
Email: KristinaDeLeon@woaitv.com
Last Update: 7:54 pm
SAN ANTONIO - There's a spike in the number of babies coming down with a respiratory illness in San Antonio. Doctors are calling it one of the worst years they've seen for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a very common virus that leads to mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and older healthy children. It can be more serious in young babies, especially to those in certain high-risk groups. It makes it very hard for young children to breath.
Right now we?re in peak season for RSV. San Antonio doctors are floored by the number of kids they're seeing with it in emergency rooms.
?This is one of the worst years we've had for RSV -- certainly in the last six to eight years, we've not seen this number or this severity of the disease,? explains Dr. Thomas Mayes, Physician in Chief, Christus Santa Rosa Children's Hospital.
Dr. Mayes says most RSV cases are in children two years and younger, especially babies born prematurely.
?In little babies they typically will work hard to breathe. They may have wheezing and they may be severe enough to where they need oxygen treatment,? says Dr. Mayes.
There are some things you can look out for as a parent.
?If the baby has persistently high fever over a couple of days; if the child is lethargic; the child is not eating well; any of those would be indications to seek medical attention,? says Dr. Mayes.
A simple way to help prevent RSV infection is to wash your hands often, especially before touching your baby. It is important to make certain that other people, especially caregivers, take precautions to avoid giving RSV to your baby. The following simple steps can help protect your baby:
* Insist that others wash their hands with warm water and soap before touching your baby.
* Have others avoid contact with the baby if they have a cold or fever. If necessary, have them wear a mask.
* Be aware that kissing the baby can spread RSV infection.
* Try to keep young children away from your baby. RSV is very common among young children and easily spreads from child to child.
* Do not smoke inside your house, car, or anywhere near your baby. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of RSV illness.
In milder cases, make sure your child's nasal passage ways are clear, and make sure your children drink plenty of water.