A virus called RSV can be life-threatening for some, but may present with mild cold-like symptoms in adults. RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus and most peole recover in a week or two, but it can be dangerous for young children and people who are immuno-compromised like those being treated for cancer. Washington County Public Health Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski says RSV is common, “Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by the time they turn two. You know, so even if you do everything right, even if you clean, even if you’re covering your cough, even if you become hermits and order in everything so you don’t have to leave in the winter. It’s just they’re more susceptible. You and I, we know to not chew on our hands, and they just don’t, they want to taste everything. So, I think that it’s part of growing up, unfortunately. But I think, you know, going back to controlling what you can control: covering your coughs, staying home when you’re sick, avoiding the sharing of utensils and cups, and kissing, because it is, it’s so easy for these babies to get so sick.”

To help prevent the spread of illness, do not touch or kiss babies. Clean your hands often, cover sneezes and coughs, disinfect surfaces, and stay home when you’re sick. There have been children in Washington diagnosed with RSV this fall.

To hear the full interview about RSV with Pettit-Majewski and KCII News Director Sally Hart about her daughter’s experience click here for part one and here for part two.