What is RSV? How to Prevent and Reduce the Risk in Newborns to 2-Year-Olds
- Why is RSV Prevention Important in Young Children?
- Early Symptoms of RSV
- Severe Symptoms of RSV in Children
Reserve Your Spot in Advance with a Deposit of Only 5,000 THB
RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory tract infections, especially in children under 2 years of age. It tends to spread rapidly during the rainy and winter seasons and is a leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and young children. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring hospitalization.
RSV หรือ Respiratory Syncytial Virus เป็นไวรัสที่ทำให้เกิดการติดเชื้อในระบบทางเดินหายใจ โดยเฉพาะในเด็กอายุต่ำกว่า 2 ปี ไวรัสนี้สามารถแพร่กระจายได้ง่ายและมักระบาดในช่วงฤดูฝนและฤดูหนาว RSV เป็นสาเหตุหลักของโรคปอดอักเสบและหลอดลมอักเสบในเด็กเล็ก ทำให้เกิดอาการตั้งแต่เล็กน้อยไปจนถึงรุนแรงถึงขั้นต้องเข้ารับการรักษาในโรงพยาบาล
Why Is RSV Prevention Important for Young Children?
High risk in infants and toddlers: Over 90% of children under the age of 2 are likely to contract RSV at least once. More than half of these may require hospitalization, and in some severe cases, even ICU admission and respiratory support.
A major cause of serious illness: RSV is among the top 3 causes of infectious pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children under 5 years old.
Effective protection now available: RSV monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab) provides immediate protection and is recommended for children from birth to 2 years of age.
Effectiveness of Nirsevimab:
✅ Reduces RSV infection by 79.5%
✅ Decreases hospitalizations due to lower respiratory infections by 83.2%
✅ Lowers ICU admissions and severe complications by 75.3%
Early Symptoms of RSV in Children
What to Watch For
RSV symptoms can initially appear similar to the common cold, making it easy to overlook. Early detection and prompt medical attention are key to preventing serious complications.
Common Early Symptoms
- Runny nose, cough, sneezing: Often begins as a mild cold, progressing to thicker nasal mucus and a more severe cough.
- Fever (mild to high): Especially concerning in children with weaker immune systems.
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing: Due to mucus buildup and airway inflammation.
- Decreased appetite: Caused by discomfort, nasal congestion, or fever.
- Irritability or increased crying: Especially at night, due to discomfort or breathing difficulties.
- Disturbed sleep: Nasal congestion and coughing may cause frequent waking or breathing pauses during sleep.
Signs of Severe RSV Infection in Children If RSV progresses to a severe infection such as pneumonia, watch for
- Bluish skin, lips, or nails: A sign of oxygen deprivation.
- High fever over 38°C, particularly in infants under 3 months.
- Flaring nostrils or chest retractions: Visible effort in breathing.
- If these signs occur, seek immediate medical attention.
How Does RSV Spread?
- Direct contact with secretions (saliva, mucus) from infected individuals.
- Inhalation of droplets in the air.
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth.
- Outbreaks commonly occur during the rainy and winter seasons.
How to Prevent RSV in Children
- Wash hands frequently with soap or alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Avoid taking young children to crowded places.
- Regularly clean toys and baby items.
- Avoid close contact with individuals showing cold-like symptoms.
RSV Monoclonal Antibody (Nirsevimab)
- Nirsevimab is a long-acting monoclonal antibody that provides immediate protection against RSV after injection.
- It is especially effective for high-risk groups, such as preterm infants or those with chronic conditions.
- Works by neutralizing the virus before it enters respiratory cells, unlike vaccines which rely on the body’s immune response.
- Protection Duration
Provides protection for up to 5 months, covering the RSV peak season.
3 Simple Steps to Reserve RSV Monoclonal Antibody Protection
RSV Monoclonal Antibody Protection for Newborns to 24-Month-Olds
📌 Reserve Your Spot in Advance with a Deposit of Only 5,000 THB
✅ 1 Dose: Only 17,490 THB (Regular Price 24,100 THB)
👉 For Newborns to 12 Months
✅ 2 Doses: Only 34,200 THB (Regular Price 48,200 THB)
👉 For 12 to 24 Months
📅 Reservation available until
June 30, 2025 only!
📅 Appointment Scheduling Starts in May 2025 – Before the RSV Season
Eligibility for RSV Monoclonal Antibody (Nirsevimab)
First Season (Age 0–12 months)
- Recommended for all healthy infants under 8 months.
- Considered for 8–12 months.
- High-risk infants include those with chronic lung disease, severe immune deficiency, severe cystic fibrosis, or congenital heart disease.
Second Season (Age 12–24 months)
- Recommended for healthy toddlers 12–24 months.
- Especially important for those with risk factors.
Dosage based on pediatrician evaluation.
Safety of Nirsevimab
High safety profile with minimal side effects and no severe complications.
Possible mild side effects:
1. Mild fever (0.5%)
2.Injection site pain or swelling (0.3%)
3.Rash (0.09%)
4.Vomiting (0.2%)
5.General discomfort (0.2%)
Proven safe for children.
Contraindications
Children with a severe allergic reaction to Nirsevimab or its ingredients (Arginine, Histidine) should not receive the injection.
Consult a doctor if your child has had severe reactions to any vaccines or medications.
Benefits of RSV Protection with Nirsevimab
- Long-term respiratory health: Prevents future complications.
- Reduces financial burden: Lowers hospitalization and indirect costs.
- Supports public health: Reduces healthcare expenses (over 1.75 billion THB/year in Thailand).
Summary: Why RSV Prevention Matters
RSV monoclonal antibodies protect infants from birth, particularly in their most vulnerable first year.
Children aged 0–2 years, including those with underlying conditions, are eligible for protection.
Early prevention reduces serious complications and supports long-term health.
3 Simple Steps to Reserve RSV Monoclonal Antibody Protection
RSV Monoclonal Antibody Protection for Newborns to 24-Month-Olds
📌 Reserve Your Spot in Advance with a Deposit of Only 5,000 THB
✅ 1 Dose: Only 17,490 THB (Regular Price 24,100 THB)
👉 For Newborns to 12 Months
✅ 2 Doses: Only 34,200 THB (Regular Price 48,200 THB)
👉 For 12 to 24 Months
📅 Reservation available until June 30, 2025 only!
📅 Appointment Scheduling Starts in May 2025 – Before the RSV Season