My 8 Month Old Has Rsv

so, i'm not sure you can vaccinate him once he's already had it, but there is a shot that we gave to our preemie all winter, once a month, to prevent him from getting it. Ask about the RSV shot and see if it's still an option?

My son was born with heart problems and since he was at risk with future heart surgeries he was automatically given shots during the RSV season by Childrens Home Care. It isn't a vacine it's actually an antibody, it's very expensive and some insurance companies may not cover it and some pediatricians can't get it??? It's called Synagis I would ask your doctor about it and if it's something worth looking into. You can google it and learn more about it...other than that just be clean and wash all clothes and linens daily.
Good luck!

Hi T.- My daughter was only 1 week old when she first got RSV. We had to stay in the hosptial for a week. She is now 10 years old, but it has not been a easy journey. She gets sick often and she is not a real active child like her older brother and younger sister. One of the best things I found that helps is to have her sit in the bathroom while the shower runs and steams up the room. Also prop up the bed so your sons head is higher. A doctor at the emergency told me about this after the 3rd visit. We still do it to this day and it helps her to sleep through the night. We also do not let her go out if she is sick or let people come over. We all wash our hands contantly and even use mask if someone is really sick. I hope you find something that helps. Good luck and stay healthy!

Hi T., I hope that Ben starts feel better very soon. I had my son sleep with me and since my husband is deployed, I still stay in the same room as him. I think that is a great way to bond with your baby and also they need to be close to you esp. when they are not feeling their best...as long as you take the proper safety precautions...co-sleeping can be great.
I am not sure how to keep him from getting the RSV from you, but maybe he won't catch it again b/c he already had that strain or something. When Will has been sick, I steam up the bathroom and elevate his mattress a little bit by using a firm pillow or wedge under his mattress or our mattress. Also use a humidifier. It seems to help with the drainage....as I am sure you know all of this by now. Just gets lots of sleep and hang in there...this cold season will be over soon. Also, please tell any of your friends to not bring sick babies around even if the cold/virus is on the tail end....esp. if yours is prone to getting RSV, my sisters first son was the same way and he just grew out of it. I breastfed for two years and 3 months and this seemed to help with Will's immune system, so just keep on nursing and doing what you are doing. I know it is nerve racking....Will is 2 1/2 now and it is still scarey when he is sick but just listen to your instincts... you are a wonderful momma. I hope this helps. Have a great day.

Hi T.,

I'm sorry to hear about your son. My daughter had RSV at two weeks old and was in the PICU at Cedars for 10 days after two ambulance rides and two emergency rooms. It was the worst experience new parents could face. I always say, she'll forget but we'll be in therapy for the rest of our lives.

She is now 14 months old, healthy and very active. They say that babies with RSV are likely to be sick more often and not as active but we haven't seen that with her. In fact, I've been sick with a cold twice in the last two months and she didn't catch it once. I am breastfeeding her and the dr. said that might help. Anyway, we were told to wash hands often, use hand sanitizer, be very careful about public play areas or avoid them completely (which we do), clean toys often and remind everyone who comes to the house that it is very important that they be healthy. RSV can live on a surface for many hours so when you go to the doctor's office (where my daughter got RSV), have them wipe down surfaces in front of you. Don't be afraid to ask that of them. You have reason to be worried. I just told them I'm extra neurotic and they have to live with that. The nurse smiled and cleaned the exam table twice over. As for giving it back to him, try to keep as much distance as possible. Maybe your husband or other family members can help you more. Clean often, don't kiss him, wash your hands whenever you blow your nose, etc. and just be really careful. This is a phase and it will pass. Just be careful and take care of yourselves....vitamin C and Zinc work wonders for adults!!

Take care, J.

LOTS and LOTS of handwashing on your part and any other adult who comes in contact with him. Keep him away from other children, especially those under 4 and in preschool or day care. Keep him home and away from crowds (shopping, parks, etc.). If he was a preemie, you may want to talk with his doctor and see about getting the RSV vaccine (Synagis) yearly. It's an injection that he would get and then a few weeks later get a booster. Talk to his doctor and see if he qualifies.

I feel your pain!Both my kids have been hospitalized with rsv,my daughter at 4 and my son at 6 weeks.As far as preventing,all you can do is wash your hands constantly,and keep him away from anyone who is sick or who sounds like they have a cold.try not to take him to the market if you don't have to,rsv can live on any surface for up to 12 hours(shopping cart).It seems like once they get it every cold goes into the chest,and watch out for asthma...they say it's not connected...I have my doubts.Good luck!..........E.

Dear Ben's Mom,
I went through a similar situation. I literally carried around a bottle of hand sanitizer and kept sanitizing my hands over and over again. The good news though is that as your baby gets older and stronger he will be able to tolerate the virus better. When older babies and kids get it, they may still get ill but not as bad as when they are little. Good luck and keep your spirits high!

-S.

i so feel your pain. my son got rsv at 17 days old and spent a week in the hospital in respiratory distress. just a few weeks after being discharged he got sick AGAIN and was almost readmited. my husband and i didn't sleep for weeks, taking shifts because we were so afraid of him just not breathing.

in addition to the normal hand washing, keeping him away from sick people, etc. have you thought about changing your clothes after you are out without him? as a teacher i am exposed to countless virsus daily so i change my clothes as soon as i get home. you might want to think about that if you are out without your son. i don't hold my son until i have changed out of my work clothes. we can't keep our boys in a bubble, but we can do our best to keep them healthy.

T.,
I can relate to the anxiousness that surrounds this issue for you as I was there once myself. When my daughter was just 11 weeks old she was diagnosed with severe rsv; talk about overwhelm! These were some things that assisted besides the breathing treatments the doctor gave. I had my house cleaned from top to bottom, carpets cleaned/ furniture cleaned- removing dander, dust and any other allergen from her environment. This assisted her breathing more than I can even convey. I also purchased a air purification unit; the combination of her diet being healthy, her environment being clean and her air being more filtered worked for us. She never had rsv again and is now a very healthy 3 year old! I hope this can help. You will be in my prayers.

My 2nd born was diagnosed with RSV at a month old and was in the hospital for a few days. Now she is a healthy 10 year old. When we brought her home from her few days stay at the hospital my whole family got sick. That year the flu season was so bad. My husband and I wore mask on our faces when we held our daughter to keep her from getting sick again. It seemed like she got worse before she got better. Your baby will be ill for a while just keep doing what the doctors tell you with the meds. You are right not to take him out of the house, to keep him from getting exposed to another virus. Wash your hands a lot to keep the germs away. If your baby seems like he is not getting better keep taking him to the doctors. It is better to be a pest, then worry that you are not doing something right. You know that baby better than anyone, doctor included. Just go with your instict to comfort him. If you need more information I am sure there is information on line. I am curious did they admit him to the hospital at all? I hope this helps you, you will get through this. S.

Our youngest daughter had rsv last week, and I worried as much. I did keep her in the bedroom with me for several nights. She also had ear infections, so we were able to give her antibiotics along with pediatric tylenol (the antibiotics would only help with a secondary infection, not with the rsv, but it was a little of a relief).

We have two other children who go to school, and I work in a large office where it seems someone is always sick. At home we wash hands a lot, and even my 3 year old covers his mouth and washes his hands. I've been told that moist heat helps. I know we gave our baby several baths with the shower going and she seemed to like them.

For you, keep hydrated, wash your hands a lot, and take tylenol. Some peope like theraflu--I haven't tried it.

Dear T.,
My daughter (now 10) born 7wks premature had issues re: her lungs. She was a "prototype" for RespiGam Therapy which I believe developed into a vaccination now available for the prevention of RSV. I believe that this was developed by a Dr. Henderson at Childrens whom I also believe to be a specialist in infectious disease. My daughter never developed RSV and is a healthy happy girl. Talk to your doctor about this treatment to see if is right for your son. You both deserve some restful sleep!Best wishes,
S.

My nephew also had this a couple of weeks ago and he was admitted to Northridge Hosptial which I think was a very good thing. He had IV'S and in the IV they put medication to get rid of the virus .Has your son been on medication.We have a friend thats a nurse and she said alot of the times the medications there doctors give them just calm the cough but doesnt clear the virus. If I was you I would get a second opion because that sounds odd that he keeps getting this especailly that you say you guys dont go out. Its also good to expose him to other kids so that his immune system can build up .Keeping the to sheltered is not to good either . I understand its so sad to see them being sick .I have two little girls myself . Kaylin 4 years old and Alexis 6 1/2 . Hope he gets better

Hello T., my neice had rsv and they gave her a vaccine againgst it after she recovered because she was a preemie. To you rsv is actually the common cold but in a more severe form. Hand washing is key also I hear the vaccine isn't just given to anyone but you might ask your baby's ped. The other thing you can do is look into a monitor that detects breathing for your baby's crib or playpen. It's made by Angelcare...I use one for a daycare baby who has a heart murmmur. It gives me peice of mind. Anyways, when the season passes for rsv your baby will get better. Look for the light at the end of the tunnel=)

Have you asked your doctor about getting your baby a synergisyt vaccine. It is a once monthly vaccine. Rather painfully, but my daughter was born at 28 weeks and she never even got the sniffles while taking it. The biggest problem is wheather or not insurance will cover it. It is about $1000 per shot if I remember right. Goodluck!

I am sorry that your son is sick with RSV. My daughter was hospitalized with RSV last year. When we were in the hospital they said that RSV can stay on surfaces for weeks. When we got back home I bought a Lysol spray.(There is one that says on the back that it kills RSV viruses). I used that on hard surfaces around my house, Washed all bedding, toys that she played with anything and everything that can be washed. She never got it again. We also got a humidifier and that seemed to help with her breathing at night.
But one thing to know about RSV, you can't prevent it. Every child gets it, it is just the severity that is different. For one kid it can just be a cold and for another they are weezing and not able to breathe very well.
Hope this helps and he starts feeling better soon.

first you has to clean all toys and what ever your baby touch and the people whos is around your baby must wash their hands .before and after . make a soup of red cabbage ,red onion, garlic, like chicken soup dont over cook the vegetables put carrots corn potatoes mint when you serve your soup add green onions chooped and added dont forget to wash your hands all the time

First, I am a NICU nurse, so I have dealt with RSV more than I want to. There is a vaccine for RSV but it is very expensive and may not be covered by insurance, I would suggest checking on it but he may not be able to get it this season. RSV is a pretty tough virus and lives on surfaces for 6 to 8 hours. One of the biggest things that you can do is wash your hands - constantly - if you cough and then touch something before you wash, then you or someone else may touch that spot and then touch your son and VOILA he has it again! You should see about getting a mask to wear while you are holding him if you are sick and then wash your hands and put a clean towel over you while you are holding him until you are better - your can reinfect him even though he gave it to you first. If you have friends or relatives who are not feeling well, tell them not to visit! They may complain and say its just the sniffles, but RSV affects adults and older children different than infants and toddlers. The RSV season this year has been really bad, and if you can get through your being ill without giving back to your son and if you restrict visitation and wash your hands frequently you should be good for the rest of the season. Im glad that you are so concerned, RSV can be a very serious illness in infants and toddlers! Hope your both healthy from here on out! - G. NICU nurse for 9 years and mother of 2 teenagers!

It is very hard caring for an infant with respiratory problems. I understand that your child was diagnosed with the RSV which is a fancy word for a type of cold, but could hospitalize the very young, such as your son. The best way of prevention is to avoid close contact and good handwashing. I think it would be best to have someone care for baby while you recover. Hope this helps.

Im a mother of twin boys who were born extremley premature, we face the RSV fear too. The best thing to do is limit the exposure to public places, such as malls and stores. Also limit play time with children who have siblings at the school age, If you or your hubby are sick wear a mask, most Dr's offices should have them and are pretty good about giving you a few to keep with you. If your son is having problems with continous sickness during the season(nov-april) Then ask the ped. if he might qualify for the RSV shot. They are hard to get but worth asking. My smaller boy has BPD and gets it due his bad lungs and low weight. Its sad somtimes you have to fudge about little things to get it but its worth it. Some factors other then the babys health are pet exposure, cigg.smoke,siblings and public daycare. Good Luck hope you all stay well :-)

Hello there T.

( I'm not a doctor I'm an advocate for my children , I'm only talking about my own experience with RSV and of about over 50 other moms I have spoke about the subject )

Nice to meet you . My name is G. If you have a my space here is mine http://www.myspace.com/stargate_3000
I live in Huntington park and have 3 kids ..My youngest one a boy had RSV when he was almost 3 months old and was hospitalized for 1 week 1/2 .. It was terrible but thats to the Lord all is well..

We as well never went outside for the first year cause it might get him sick lotsa of going out was comprimised but is all worth it ..

I would like for you to know that we can over come this with healthy eating and with boosting his amune system . Most doctors will not tell you this is needed usually they just give you more antibiotics to clear up sthe virus which is ok ,,But they aren't telling you that the antiobicts is making the virus go away but what about after the antioticts his red blood cells are low and needs to boost his ammune system by giving him ,,Probiatics and ,, Ammune system buster .. You c an do this on your own ..

It is a wonderful product and all Vitamins his body needs so it isn't a drug .. I learned this in Mexico after taking my son many times to a Fantasctin pedriatrician there who gave me the right Vitamins to boost him and my other kids who by the way are never sick ,,,,

My son has 2 years now with 100% no rsv and no meds for breathing .. prior he would take it once a or twise a year ,,, RSV wise he is all better ...

Now my son was DX with High fuctioning Autism last year march 2007 and I take him to a specialist who is a doctor but they work with natural vitamins and minerals it is called Biomedical treatment ..They have learned that the childs immune system can be boosted and bronquio and austm problems can be treatable ... please re search for your son and you will find information ..I have some sites but are autism related and I don't know if you want to read them pleaselet me know

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T., RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus. It can't be cured by antibiotics. Actually, viruses are left alone to run their course, bacteria is treated with antibiotics. They have developed a vaccine that is administered once a month by a shot into their thigh, until RSV season is over. It is usually given to premature infants because they are at higher risk for problems due to under developed lungs. For the adult and older child RSV is a bad cold. For the premature infant it can be life threatening. For a normal healthy infant it can be very serious. The older the child, the better they can cope with the illness. Infants are not able to clear their secretions (mucous) like older kids and adults can. They can't cough, blow, etc to remove their secretions. They will develop fever, nasal flaring, retractions, wheezing, and sometimes choke on the secretions. RSV lives on inanimate objects (toys, tables, floors) for 6-8hrs. It is spread by sneezing, coughing, and (as most germs) hands. You can spread RSV, so if you wipe your nose, wash your hands for 30 seconds with soap and water. Rub your hands together to create friction. Friction and soap remove germs not super hot water. Hot water just dries your hands out. You can't get water hot enough to kill germs. If you cough, do so into the crook of your arm, not your hands. Keep sick visitors, meaning anyone with a cough, runny nose, fever away from your house. Require everyone who comes in contact to wash their hands. I would also be very selective with play dates right now. As for you, boost your immune system. Drink plenty of fluids. Keep your baby hydrated. Most children get RSV, it's just really hard on the ones under 1yr of age. Oh, and for FYI, some people who are asymptomatic can still have RSV in their nose. As for the pediatricians office, find a doctor that has a sick and well waiting room. Keep your baby 3 ft away from people who are coughing and sneezing. Droplets can travel that far. Good luck, you will get through this. Just wait until you are introduced to rotovirus. ; )

Hello T.
I know exactly how you feel. I had to hospitalize my 3 week old son due to rsv and that was really scary. The only thing I could do is sit besides him and watch him struggle with every breath he was taking. Here is what we did to make him feel better (before and after his hospital stay).
My husband and I took turns letting him sleep on our chest while we were sitting semi reclined on the couch or bed, since it is easier for him to breath that way. And there is the hardest part: NO kissing the baby, NO nibbling at his toes... and so on. We would wash and disinfect our hands every time before and after touching him.
This worked for us and for our other 2 little ones. Nobody was allowed to touch him and nobody else got sick after that. Also try to keep away your 1st born's toys.
Our baby just turned 1 and luckily he hasn't had rsv again but all my three boys have asthma and so I'm always careful during cold and flu season.
Good luck to you all.
M.

Dear T.,

As Louis Pasteur said later on in his life, "It's not the germ, it's the terrain." The best thing you can do right now is to BOOST your immune system...for both of you. An easy way to do this is to get a high-quality herbal extract of Astragalus at your local health store. For your baby, put a dropperful in his juice or milk 3x a day. For yourself, you can take it straight or diluted slightly with a little room-temperature water. Astragalus is one of the most potent (and safetst) respiratory immune system boosters on the planet. It will speed recovery and prevent either of you from re-catching the virus.

Best of luck!

S. I., L.Ac.
Lotus Wellspring Healthcare
456 E. Mission Road, Suite 100
San Marcos, CA 92069
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Hi. I am not a medical professional and I imagine this is very scary. When I used to work in the hospital some years ago they would hospitalize kids with RSV. It sounds like he is over it, or recovering with rattling breathing, but you are afraid of him catching it or stopping breathing. There are apnea monitors to check if kids stop breathing at night - I don't know what insurance you have or what is covered and if this is appropriate. It sounds like it would be good to talk to a health professional - doc or nurse who can talk to you at length about how your son is doing and if he could catch yours if you haven't already or if the situation has changed since you last talked to one. Some programs/insurances have 24 hour nurses you can consult with.....Good wishes, C.

My son had rsv at 3 months. I don't believe he can get it back from you, but remember your best defense is washing hands. Don't really kiss his face because there are a lot of cooties in your saliva.
Be prepared, he's probably going to have asthma. Not a big deal, but expect it. My ex-husband won't believe our 6 year old (diagnosed by several doctors) has it and I worry greatly. One way to ease their discomfort is to have them propped up with extra pillows when sleeping. I actually would have my son sleep in the recliner. Laying flat is harder to breathe. Also too is moisture in the air. Humidifier or warm bath/shower helps, but if he is wheezing, it is not an alternative to a rescue inhaler. Keep the house vaccuumed for dust, hepa filters clean so well. He ultimately may have food allergies, but save that for a later day. Change the air filters in your house every 3 months.
Do something to boost his immune system.
If I can think of anything else, I will follow up.
Hope this helps.

RSV is a serious condition. You usually see it in infants, and small children. It's very rare to see RSV in adults and teenagers. Cigarette smoke, and any other smoke irritates it, and can cause it to get worse. Your son would most likely need to wear a mask if you have any other younger children. it would help keep it from spreading. When he goes to sleep, prop a pillow underneath his neck, but not directly under his neck, like, lower, towards his back. More than his head. then, he should be laying when hisair way can be open more. keep anything that he can put in his mouth away until he has lost most of his symptoms. you would more than likely want to give him baths in a little colder water than usual where as hot water can irritate it because of the heat, making it hard to breathe. Like steam when u take a shower, if it gets too hot, it sometimes gets hard to breathe. I hope i helped you!!