10 Simple Tips to Prevent RSV in Infants

Every year, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) affects millions of infants worldwide. RSV is a common virus that can lead to severe respiratory infections in infants and children. Infants are at greater risk of developing RSV and experiencing severe symptoms leading to hospitalization. While RSV infections can be severe, they can also be prevented by taking certain precautions. Here are ten simple tips to help prevent RSV in infants:

1. Wash Hands Frequently

Washing hands is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of RSV. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, especially before handling an infant, after sneezing or coughing, and after touching surfaces that may have germs.

2. Keep Infants Away from Sick People

Try to avoid exposing infants to people who are sick, especially during peak RSV season.

3. Cover Your Mouth When Sneezing or Coughing

When you sneeze or cough, make sure to cover your mouth and nose to prevent the spread of germs that can cause RSV.

4. Keep Infants’ Toys and Environment Clean

Washing toys and regularly disinfecting surfaces can help prevent the spread of RSV in infants’ environments.

5. Limit Infants’ Exposure to Large Crowds

Limiting infants’ exposure to large groups of people can help prevent the spread of RSV during peak season.

6. Avoid Smoking Around Infants

Smoking around infants can increase their risk of developing RSV. Try to avoid smoking around infants, especially during RSV season.

7. Breastfeed Infants

Breastfeeding can help boost infants’ immune systems and reduce their risk of developing RSV.

8. Practice Good Hygiene Practices

Make sure to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, use tissues when blowing your nose and dispose of them properly. Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently to prevent the spread of RSV.

9. Keep Infants Current on Vaccines

Keeping infants current on their vaccines can help reduce their risk of developing RSV.

10. Seek Medical Attention if Infant is Showing Symptoms of RSV

If an infant is showing signs of RSV, such as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, fever or coughing, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent potentially serious complications.

In summary, RSV infections in infants can be prevented by taking simple steps such as washing hands frequently, keeping infants away from sick people, keeping toys and environment clean, breastfeeding, practicing good hygiene practices, and seeking medical attention if infants are showing symptoms of RSV. By taking these precautions, parents and caregivers can help infants avoid RSV and its associated complications.