RSV can also be spread through direct contact with people who are sick (shaking hands or kissing) or touching surfaces that have the virus on them. Close contact with young children, such as in daycare settings, is a common way to become infected with RSV.
RSV can spread when: A person who has RSV coughs or sneezes near you. You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose, or mouth. You have direct contact with the virus, like kissing the face of a child with RSV.
@Rachel as a scientist, I can tell you that others kissing babies under the age of 6 months is risky due to the transmission of HSV, RSV and other illnesses. That's why it is recommended that parents only kiss their babies for the first while.
It spreads easily through the air on infected respiratory droplets. You or your child can become infected if someone with RSV coughs or sneezes near you. The virus also passes to others through direct contact, such as shaking hands. The virus can live for hours on hard objects such as countertops, crib rails and toys.
RSV is spread through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets. Kissing, sharing drinks, or transferring things from mouth to mouth can transmit RSV. Washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, and avoiding contact when you are sick will decrease the spread and help protect our littlest family members.
Avoid Kissing: Refrain from kissing a baby unless you are their parent or main carer. Even then, avoid kissing if you're unwell. Stay Away When Ill: Do not visit a baby if you're ill or have recently been ill, including conditions like colds, cold sores, or gastrointestinal issues.
While the AAP doesn't mention a specific age for when it's okay to start kissing a baby, most experts recommend waiting at least 2-3 months, or even longer during RSV, flu, and cold season.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a seasonal illness that has been commonly overlooked even though it affects about 97% of children by the age of two. This is because the symptoms are similar to that of the common cold and are normally mild. But for some, RSV can be severe and even life threatening.
RSV is very contagious. It can spread through the droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or if you touch a contaminated surface, such as counters or doorknobs (where it can live for hours), then touch your nose, eyes, or mouth without washing or sanitizing your hands.
You can help protect your baby from RSV by:
The 90/10 kissing rule, popularized by the movie Hitch, suggests that when initiating a kiss, you lean in 90% of the way and pause, waiting for the other person to lean in the remaining 10% to meet you, indicating their consent and desire for the kiss without forcing it. This technique allows for a smooth, non-awkward initiation, giving the other person control and a chance to reciprocate, making it a polite way to gauge mutual interest.
Someone who is sick can spread the virus to a baby by talking, sneezing or coughing. Direct contact. Someone with a cold who touches a baby's hand can spread the cold virus to the baby. The baby then can get the virus by touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
The 7 key danger signs for newborns, often highlighted by organizations like the WHO, are not feeding well, convulsions, fast breathing, severe chest indrawing, lethargy/unconsciousness (movement only when stimulated), high or low temperature, and jaundice (yellow skin/soles) or signs of local infection like an infected umbilical stump, requiring immediate medical attention.
While a simple kiss might seem harmless, it can inadvertently transmit viruses like RSV. Even if a person feels well, they might still be carrying the virus and able to spread it. This is why it's recommended to avoid kissing babies, especially on the face, during RSV season or if anyone is feeling unwell.
RSV spreads easily and rapidly through: A cough or sneeze. Interactions such as a kiss or hug with someone infected with RSV.
RSV spreads easily from person to person when someone who is infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. RSV can also be spread through direct contact with people who are sick (shaking hands or kissing) or touching surfaces that have the virus on them.
People who become infected with RSV show symptoms within four to six days after the virus enter the body. Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, fever, cough and decrease in appetite. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties.
In most regions of the United States, RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in the winter, but the timing and severity of RSV season in a given community can vary from year to year.
People of any age can contract RSV, but those at the highest risk of complications include: Premature infants and children under age 2.
Early symptoms of RSV may include: Runny nose. Eating or drinking less. Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Self care
Options to Help Protect Infants and Toddlers
The CDC has recommended two new ways to help protect your baby from severe RSV illness: A preventative antibody is recommended for all babies younger than 8 months old and born during or entering their first RSV season. Or, Receiving an RSV vaccination during pregnancy.
1-3 Months
The first three months with your baby often seem the hardest. Sleep-deprived parents can feel overwhelmed, but that is normal and you will quickly learn how to read your baby's cues and personality. Don't worry about “spoiling” your baby at this stage.
To decrease the chance of spreading the illness to them: Make sure you wash your hands before touching your baby. Wear a mask when holding or breastfeeding your baby.