Critical warnings for babies against the RSV virus, which increases in winter months

Istinye University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edin Botan issued warnings against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, which increases in the winter months, stating that symptoms such as respiratory distress, feeding problems, and rapid breathing in babies should be watched out for.

Istinye University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Pediatrics Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Edin Botan stated that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection, which is common in autumn and winter months, poses significant risks especially for babies and young children. Expressing that the infection starts with cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, cough, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and wheezing, Botan noted that if it affects the lower respiratory tract, it can lead to serious conditions such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Experts emphasized that fast or labored breathing, indrawing of the chest during breathing, feeding difficulty, and pauses in breathing are important danger signs for babies. While it was conveyed that emergency medical help should be sought in cases of bluish discoloration of the lips or marked inability to feed, it was stated that babies under six months of age, those born prematurely, those with heart or lung disease, and individuals with weak immunity are in the high-risk group.