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"Silent Threat: How Kissing Spreads RSV to Children"

Updated: Apr 24

"The Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children: The Unseen Perils of Kissing Young Children"


Kissing infants is a natural way to show love and warmth. However, many caregivers are unaware that this simple act can expose children to dangerous viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).



What Is RSV?


RSV is a highly transmittable virus that targets the respiratory tract of young children and infants. In older children and adults, RSV usually causes mild respiratory symptoms, but in babies, especially those below six months, it can lead to severe respiratory complications.


How RSV Spreads?


RSV spreads through a variety of methods including:

«  Direct contact with an infected person (eg: kissing).

«  Droplet infection through sneezing or coughing.

«  Touching unwashed surfaces and contaminating one’s hands followed by touching one’s face.

Because RSV is so contagious, a seemingly innocent kiss from a family member or a friend could infect a baby without them realizing it.


In the majority of cases RSV is associated with mild symptoms such as cough, fever, or runny nose. But for infants born prematurely or those with underlying conditions, RSV may be life threatening.



Severe RSV infections can result in:


  • Inflammation of the small airways: RSV can cause bronchiolitis, an infection that leads to inflammation in the bronchi. In prolonged cases, smaller bronchial tubes (bronchioles) may also become inflamed, potentially leading to pneumonia. Additionally, RSV is a common cause of obstructive emphysema and upper respiratory tract infections in children under the age of two.

  • Severe breathing difficulties, which may require hospitalization.

  • Low oxygen levels, sometimes necessitating oxygen therapy.

  • Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing), especially in very young infants.


Severe RSV infections can lead to:


  • Airway inflammation: RSV often causes bronchiolitis, an infection that inflames the bronchi. In prolonged cases, smaller bronchial tubes (bronchioles) may also be affected, potentially leading to pneumonia. RSV is also a common cause of obstructive emphysema and upper respiratory tract infections in children under two.

  • Severe breathing difficulties, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

  • Low oxygen levels, which may necessitate oxygen therapy.

  • Apnea (temporary cessation of breathing), particularly in very young infants.


To reduce the risk of RSV for babies, avoid kissing them if you're sick, and ask visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby. Limit public visits, especially during RSV season (fall and winter), and clean toys and surfaces regularly. Encourage older children to wash their hands and cover their coughs. Lastly, consult your doctor about RSV immunization for high-risk babies.


"It might be innocently harmless to kiss a baby, but when it comes to RSV, better safe than sorry. Keeping your baby protected from unwanted exposure can save them from serious illness".

Share love, not germs!




References:


  1. Jain H, Schweitzer JW, Justice NA. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Children. 2023 Jun 20. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 29083623.

  2. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html

  3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus

  4. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus

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