It’s RSV Season — Please Don’t Kiss The Babies. I am saying this in the most loving and nice way possible. Just don’t.
I know it’s the holiday season and it is a time for spending time with loved ones and of course, getting in those baby hugs and kisses. But can we also just normalize not doing that?
Like it’s super awkward as a parent to have to ask you to not kiss on my baby to not get them sick.
It hurts your feelings, you want to say you’re not sick, it’s just a whole thing…
Of course, I’ll say something to protect my baby but it’s better if you just know not to kiss on them especially during peak RSV season.
You see, RSV is not something to mess with and honestly, that kiss isn’t worth landing that sweet baby in the hospital. I’m sure you’d feel terrible if your kiss was the reason my baby got sick, right?
What might seem like such an innocent gesture such as a smooch or hug (even on the cheeks) can turn deadly quickly.
Did you know that RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States? (Source)
And the thing is, most people never realize they are sick until they pass it onto an innocent baby or child. You can have the virus up to 24 hours before you start showing symptoms.
For those that do have symptoms, they may seem mild like you have a small cold.
According to the CDC, People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
For babies though, RSV can be extremely dangerous and even deadly if left untreated.
So please, I beg you, DO NOT kiss on babies during RSV season. Just play it safe and keep a distance.
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