Everyone wants to kiss and pamper newborns. It is an easy and natural way to express happiness and love. But do you know that this love can be dangerous for the child’s health?
Kissing babies increases the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, a new study has found. Newborns have weak immune systems, which can make them more susceptible to illness. This can lead to breathing difficulties, dehydration and sometimes the need for prolonged hospitalization.
According to a study published in ‘The Lancet Regional Health Europe’, more than 2.3 million children born in Sweden between 2001 and 2022 were analysed. Researchers found that even healthy full-term babies can become seriously ill with RSV, requiring intensive care. The study found that the median age of critically ill infants was less than two months, indicating that newborns are more susceptible to RSV.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.6 million children under the age of five are hospitalized each year due to RSV, and about 100,000 die. Almost half of these deaths occur in children under 6 months of age.
In India too, the number of neonatal ICU admissions due to RSV increases during monsoon and early winter. However, it can be prevented to a great extent by taking certain precautions and safety measures.
So, in today’s important news, we will discuss the dangers of kissing newborns and RSV infection. We will also learn:
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What is RSV infection and why is it dangerous for children?
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What mistakes should we never make with children?
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What are safe ways to show love?
All these questions are answered by an expert on this subject: Dr. Given by Beji Jason, Paediatrician, MD, MRCPCH (Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health).
Q: What is RSV infection and why is it more dangerous for newborns?
Answer: RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, affects the lungs and airways of infants. The infection usually starts with cold-like symptoms, but in infants or young children, it can quickly progress to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the lungs) or pneumonia.
It is more dangerous for newborns because their immune systems are not fully developed, their lungs are small and fragile, and they cannot properly express their breathing problems. It is usually at its peak between September and March. Understand the main symptoms of RSV infection in children using the graphic below:
Q: Which children are at higher risk of RSV infection?
Answer: RSV can affect any child, but certain medical and environmental factors increase the risk for some children.
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Babies under 6 months of age (especially under 3 months of age).
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Winter babies and premature babies.
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Children with congenital heart disease.
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Children with pneumonia or other lung diseases.
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Children with kidney or liver disease.
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Children with genetic or neurological disorders.
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Low birth weight babies.
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Smoking or exposure to polluted indoor air.
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Babies with high exposure in the first weeks after birth.
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Older children in the household bring the virus home from school or outside and touch the newborn. This also increases the risk of RSV.
Q: How is RSV spread through kissing and close contact?
Answer: When someone kisses or breathes near a baby’s nose or mouth, respiratory droplets (which may contain RSV) can be transferred. Children’s immune systems are developing, making even common germs more vulnerable. Babies under three months of age are most at risk.
Question: What mistakes should we never make with children?
Answer: People often behave in ways that, intentionally or unintentionally, increase the risk of RSV and other infections.
Q: What precautions are necessary to prevent RSV?
Answer: Limit exposure to children under three months of age. If you feel even slightly sick (runny nose, cough, sore throat), avoid kissing or close contact. Take special care of hand hygiene. Limit contact in the initial weeks. Always cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing. Consult your doctor about preventative treatments during RSV season.
Q: What are the safe ways to show affection to a newborn?
Answer: There are many safe and loving ways to show love to children, which enhance bonding.
Q: Can RSV infection be completely prevented?
Answer: RSV infection cannot be completely prevented, but it can be controlled and prevented. The virus returns every year during the winter or changing seasons, so prevention is the most effective method.
Keep newborns away from crowded places, practice hand washing, and avoid contact with people with colds. In some cases, doctors may also recommend a preventive vaccine (monoclonal antibody) against RSV.
Q: What should be done immediately if a newborn develops symptoms of RSV?
Answer: If a newborn shows symptoms of RSV, such as rapid breathing, wheezing, difficulty feeding, lethargy, or blue lips, contact the doctor immediately. Initially, keep the baby in a warm and clean environment at home, keep the nose clean, and give enough water or milk to prevent dehydration.
Remember, RSV can quickly become serious in newborns, so avoid self-medication or home remedies and treat only under medical supervision>