Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Care
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral organism that can cause respiratory tract infections. It most commonly causes bronchiolitis (inflammation of the lower airways) and pneumonia in children and infants under the age of one. It is a very contagious virus and can be life threatening for high-risk infants.
RSV Symptoms
Common symptoms of RSV disease can include:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Poor feeding
Other symptoms your child may experience include:
RSV Prevention and Treatment
Treatment for severe RSV is challenging and can involve hospitalization and isolation. Prevention is, therefore, very important.
One of the most significant ways to avoid RSV infection is to practice good handwashing. It is also important to keep high risk infants away from individuals with cold symptoms and to avoid crowded areas such as shopping centers and day care settings.
In addition to prevention activities, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a series of injections of an antibody called Synagis" for those infants at risk for severe RSV. While Synagis" does not prevent RSV infection, it will decrease the severity of symptoms and length of illness.
The Home Care pediatric nurses from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center can administer Synagis" injections in the comfort of your home. Synagis" is given monthly throughout the RSV season, which typically runs from November to March. Our nurses also teach families how to identify respiratory tract infections and how to avoid getting them.
Our nursing staff is available for families 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for support, education and management throughout the course of therapy.
Contact the Synagis" Coordinator Team
For more information about RSV and the Synagis" therapy program available from Home Care at Cincinnati Children's, please call the Synagis" Coordinator Team at 513-636-3500.
Synagis" Coordinator Team
The Synagis" coordinators from Home Care at Cincinnati Children's can assist you with commonly asked questions about RSV and Synagis" therapy. They can also assist you with the referral process.
| Name | Phone / Pager | Specialty |
|---|
 | JoAnne Bachus RN, BSN | Phone: 513-636-2902; Pager: 513-736-5017 | Synagis" Coordinator |
 | Monica Borell, RN | Phone: 513-636-2535; Pager: 513-736-7733 | Supervisor / Synagis" Coordinator |
 | Lisa Leesman, RN, BSN | Phone: 513-636-2579; Pager: 513-736-4769 | Synagis" Coordinator |
 | Lynne O'Donnell, RN | Phone: 513-636-8217; Pager: 513-736-1195 | Synagis" Coordinator |
