Thousands of children are hospitalized with RSV each year.
Record numbers of people are expected to travel during the upcoming holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving -- just as respiratory illnesses are on the rise in much of the United States.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children under the age of 5 are currently hospitalized for respiratory illnesses at a higher rate than any other age group. One of the most common types of respiratory viruses circulating this time of year is called respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
"RSV is a very common virus. Most children in the United States are infected by age 2," said Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, chief of infectious diseases at Children's Health in Dallas and professor of pediatrics at the university. Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told ABC News.
While exposure to RSV in a child's early life may be unavoidable, families can take steps to minimize its impact this holiday season. Experts say avoiding sick people, good hand washing, getting preventive shots and breastfeeding all reduce the risk of serious complications from RSV for babies.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, a respiratory disease that affects young children. It's caused by inflammation of the lungs' smallest airways, which leads to a buildup of mucus, which makes it difficult for babies to breathe, according to the CDC. In severe cases, children may need to be hospitalized for breathing support or may not eat properly, leading to dehydration. Each year, RSV is responsible for 58,000-80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths in children under 5 years of age, the CDC says.
According to the CDC, among all age groups, infants younger than 6 months of age are most at risk of hospitalization for RSV, especially infants younger than 3 months of age. Babies who are born prematurely, or who have heart, lung or neuromuscular problems are also at higher risk.
Doctors said people should consider wearing a mask when or after traveling, wash their hands before holding a baby and, if someone is sick, stay away while they have symptoms.
New preventive RSV shots are available
"For the first time in decades, really, since the virus was discovered, we now have some very useful tools to prevent RSV infection," Kahn said.
There are three new preventive RSV products this season, giving doctors a total of four options against the disease. Doctors say they hope these shots can help turn the tide against severe RSV cases.
There are two protective shots available for children, and both contain antibodies against the virus. Nirsevimab is new this season, while palivizumab has been on the market for nearly two decades.
Nirsevimab is a single seasonal shot for all infants younger than 8 months and other high-risk infants up to 19 months of age. Palivizumab is a monthly injection given between October and March to children younger than 2 years of age who have certain high-risk health problems and meet certain criteria.
Nirsevimab is currently in short supply, so the CDC is recommending that it be given only to infants younger than 6 months of age and to some high-risk infants who are not eligible for palivizumab this season.
There are also two RSV vaccines available for adults age 60 and older. In addition, Pfizer's RSV vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women in the third trimester to protect infants. When this shot is given at least two weeks before birth, it protects the newborn for about six months.
"If you're an older person, or pregnant, you need to remember that vaccinating yourself can go a long way in protecting our youngest, most vulnerable people," said Dr. Julia Arana, the hospital's physician team medical director and chief of Staff told East Tennessee Children's Hospital, ABC News.
Breastfeeding has a protective effect against severe RSV
Breastfeeding is not an option for all parents, as some may choose not to breastfeed or cannot breastfeed for various reasons. But for those who do, several research studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to develop complications from RSV. Experts believe this may be because components of breast milk help boost a baby's immune system for additional RSV protection.
"Breastfeeding clearly reduces a baby's chance of seeing an outpatient or going to the hospital or, worse, going to the intensive care unit," said Dr. Paul Offitt, director of the Center for Vaccine Education and a pediatrician in the Division of Infectious Diseases. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told ABC News.
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