"Doc, what is the RSV vaccine? There's been so much publicity in the media lately. Do I need it?" asked Y, a 30-year-old first-time mom in her second trimester of pregnancy.
What is RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus that causes infections of the respiratory tract. In most people, it manifests as mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations. For pregnant women, contracting RSV can be concerning due to the increased risk of complications.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
The incidence of RSV infection during pregnancy is low, with about 2% to 9% of pregnant individuals developing RSV. However, the actual number may be higher due to infrequent testing.
Common symptoms of the infection include a fever lasting 2 to 3 days, a runny nose, and a sore throat lasting about 4 days. Less common but more severe symptoms include wheezing and shortness of breath.
Why Should Pregnant Women Care About RSV?
Studies have shown that up to 50% of pregnant individuals who contract RSV may develop severe infections requiring hospitalization.
Pregnancy naturally lowers the immune system’s effectiveness to protect the developing fetus, making expectant mothers more susceptible to infections. If a pregnant woman contracts RSV, her weakened immune system may struggle to fend off the virus, potentially leading to more serious and life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, which can cause difficulty breathing and high fever.
Although not fully understood, RSV in pregnancy has been linked to RSV in babies at birth. It is believed that the infection in the mother may be passed to the baby in utero, which could lead to premature delivery and low birth weight.
RSV infections in infants are associated with severe respiratory illness, often requiring hospitalization. It is the most common cause of viral pneumonia and acute respiratory tract infections in children and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide.
Prevention is Key
Preventing RSV during pregnancy is crucial. Since RSV spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, pregnant women should take precautions such as:
Good hygiene: Wash hands frequently. Before touching your face or eating, make sure your hands are clean.
Avoiding sick people: If someone shows symptoms of a cold or respiratory illness, maintain distance, particularly in crowded or enclosed environments.
Cleaning surfaces: Regularly disinfect common areas and items like your phone and countertops, as the virus can survive on surfaces.
Staying healthy: Keep your immune system strong by eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active.
Vaccination
Recent advancements have led to the development of vaccines aimed at protecting newborns from RSV. A newly approved RSV vaccine can now be given to pregnant women to help protect their babies from RSV after birth. This vaccine, administered during the third trimester, helps pass on antibodies to the baby, reducing the risk of severe RSV in the first few months of life.
Conclusion
RSV may not be as well-known as some other viruses, but for pregnant women, it’s important to understand the risks and take steps to prevent it. With good hygiene practices and the option of vaccination, RSV infections during pregnancy can be significantly reduced. Staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring the health of both mother and baby.
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