The winter months can be daunting with all the usual germs doing the rounds but rest assured if you are pregnant, there are precautions you can put in place to protect your baby. RSV infections can occur all year round, but cases peak every winter. The best way to protect your baby against RSV infection is for you to have the vaccine during pregnancy; all pregnant women will be offered it so take time to research it and discuss with your Midwife or GP.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds, it can be dangerous for little ones and is a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In babies, RSV can make it hard for them to breathe and to feed. Most cases can be managed at home but around 20,000 babies are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis each year in the UK. Babies with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal (20-30 babies die annually as a result). RSV is more likely to be serious in incredibly young babies (less than three months), those born prematurely, and those with pre-existing cardiac, respiratory, or immune system conditions.
RSV- The vaccine in pregnancy
You should be offered the RSV vaccine around 28 weeks, but the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour. You can also have the vaccination alongside other pregnancy vaccinations such as flu and whooping cough if you have not already had them. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible provides the best protection for your baby. Studies have shown that having the vaccine during pregnancy is much safer than the risk of your baby getting RSV.
Speak to your midwife or GP surgery if you are 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine, you should have the vaccine during every pregnancy. This will help make sure each baby receives some immunity for the first 6 months after they are born when they are most likely to get seriously ill if they get RSV.
How RSV is spread
RSV is highly infectious and spreads easily, particularly among children, through coughing and sneezing. Even with simple measures such as handwashing and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze, it is difficult to avoid spreading the infection amongst the family.
RSV Key symptoms in a newborn
- Persistent cough
- Breathing difficulties, flaring nostrils, grunting, rapid breathing
- Wheezing or whistling when breathing
- High temperature
- Refusing feeds or difficulties when feeding
- Unusually sleepy or increasingly irritable
Early intervention is key to preventing more serious complications. If you notice any of these symptoms seek urgent care
