DUBLIN, Ga. — Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
But doctors say it can be serious for younger children, especially babies.
Maise Green is 3-years-old and is normally full of energy. But just a few weeks ago, her mom Liz Green had to take her to the hospital for RSV treatment.
"She had tested positive for RSV, we were doing everything the pediatrician had told us, but she was struggling with her fever," Green said.
Her 6-month-old daughter Loreali Green also got RSV and needed breathing treatments around the clock.
"It gets really scary really quickly, because you know for us, it's just like a cold. But for the younger population, it can go south, really quickly," Green said.
Dr. Lawrence Lockett at Fairview Park Hospital said they see dozens of cases of RSV this time of year.
"Major cause of what we call morbidity in children. It causes a lot of the burden of diseases. It's actually responsible for one out of 15 infant deaths outside of the newborn period," Lockett said.
He said we don't have great treatments for RSV so prevention is extremely important. That's especially true for vulnerable populations, like children.
"The best prevention we have against RSV is, if you're sick, don't send your kids to school or daycare," Lockett said.
Another thing to remember is RSV is spread through close contact, and that's why it's important for children to reduce unnecessary contact with outside people as much as possible.
"Babies are super cute, we all love babies. I enjoy dealing with babies every day. But we do have to do our best to protect them," Lockett said.
Green said raising a baby in a village is a big part of Southern culture, so it can be difficult for some people to set those boundaries.
"A lot of times you'll see moms like you know, post on Facebook these messages put out by pediatricians about kissing babies, and I know that can be off-putting, but it's so important," Green said.
Lockett also recommends washing your hands routinely, to protect yourself against RSV and other diseases. He said RSV season usually starts around October or November and goes to about April or May.