Dr. Purvis teaches seminar on RSV virus
River Park Hospital is holding a series of seminars this month to inform the public about Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, a very common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children. However, for babies born prematurely, or with lung or heart problems, there is a risk for a much more serious illness if they catch RSV.
Each year 125,000 babies are hospitalized with the illness.
“RSV is an infectious agent that is the most important respiratory infection in early childhood,” said pediatrician Dr. John Purvis, who is conducting the seminars for River Park. “Because it’s a virus, it’s very hard for us to come up with treatments for this illness, so that we try to control the symptoms of the disease, rather than actually treating the disease itself.”
There are, however, some effective treatments. One is an artificially created antibody called Synagis, which, though very expensive, is covered by the majority of insurance companies, but is usually only prescribed for at risk babies, since most adults and children have very mild symptoms.
The illness tends to be seasonal, according to Purvis.
“It is an illness that occurs in the winter months. It affects mainly infants,” Purvis said, “especially premature infants.”
Purvis said the disease can progress into an infected child’s lungs, resulting in more serious problems.
“It causes a disease called bronchiolitis,” he said, “an infection of the lower, smaller passageways in the lungs.”
The virus causes then causes the destruction of the lining of those passageways. This condition results in swelling and the development of mucus, which in turn can cause air to be trapped in the lower lungs, or in some cases, even cause a partial collapse of the lower lungs.
Though RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms like a runny nose, cough and fever, more serious symptoms can include:
• Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling)
• Rapid, labored breathing over a period of time
“What this manifests itself as are children who have difficulty breathing,” Purvis said. “They’re trying to get air into their lungs, and once it’s into their lungs, they have a difficult time getting it out because the air gets trapped. And that trying to force that air back out of the lungs is what causes the wheezing.
“The worsening of symptoms can be life-threatening, and is very frightening for parents. In this situation, your physician should be called immediately.”
Because of this possibility, Purvis said it is very important to try to prevent the illness. A simple way to help prevent RSV infections is to wash your hands often, especially before touching your baby. It’s important to make certain that other people, especially caregivers, also take precautions to avoid giving RSV to your baby.
The following steps can help protect your baby:
• Insist that everyone wash their hands with warm water and soap before touching your baby.
• Make sure you avoid close contact with the baby if you have a cold or fever. If necessary, it may be helpful if you wear a mask.
• Be aware that kissing the baby when you are sick can spread RSV infection.
• Try to keep young children away from your baby. RSV is very common among young children and is easily spread from child to child.
• Do not smoke near your baby. Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of RSV illness.
Risk factors include premature infants born without lung disease, infants born with lung disease, infants with heart disease, low birth weight, babies with older siblings, since children in contact with other children become infected with RSV, particularly during the flu season, day care attendance, family history of asthma and tobacco smoke or other air pollutants.
Purvis has already held one seminar attended by and geared toward local daycare providers. Another seminar, open to the general public, will be held Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the B.C. Smoot classroom at River Park. Since attendance will be limited due to classroom size, those wishing to attend are encouraged to call River Park to make reservations.