RSV can be contracted very easily when precautions are not taken. As you work diligently to keep a safe environment around your babies in which they can grow strong and healthy, work to keep them away from others who may be sick, regularly wash your hands and surfaces, don’t allow them to be in smoking areas and consider giving them an RSV antibody immunization to protect them from catching RSV.

Stay away from others who are sick

A great way to keep your baby from getting sick is by eliminating their exposure to others who may be sick. Unfortunately, you can be contagious two days before even showing symptoms of RSV. With that in mind, stick to small crowds of people you know are taking extra precautions. You can keep your interactions minimal by not taking your child to public places such as malls, day care centers, parks or on public transportation.

With the upcoming seasonal illnesses, keep these few things in mind to protect your child and others:

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Don’t kiss other babies on the face.
• Don’t share cups or bottles.

Simply taking the extra time to grab a tissue or a separate cup can have a great impact on your baby’s health.

Regularly wash your hands and surfaces

Washing your hands and wiping down surfaces frequently is an effective way to fight against harmful viruses. The best way to remember to disinfect is by delegating time each day to taking a cleaning wipe to household surfaces, especially those your child comes in contact with regularly. Another way is by keeping hand sanitizer in convenient locations and asking those who hold your child to wash their hands before doing so.

Here’s a quick reminder on how to properly wash your hands:

• Rinse your hands.
• Lather the soap under your fingernails, in between your fingers, and on the front and back of your hands.
• Count to 20 seconds while lathering your hands.
• Rinse under clean water.

Additional things to include in your washing routine are your blankets, bedding and clothing.

Avoid smoke areas

An alarming study surrounding babies who have been exposed to nicotine — specifically when it is smoked — demonstrates how vital it is to keep your baby from ingesting any secondhand smoke. In the study, babies who had severe RSV had a median of 5.3 nanograms per milligram of nicotine concentration, whereas babies with mild symptoms had a median of 2.1 ng/mg. If you or someone within your household smokes, consider smoking outside and changing your clothing right after.

Getting an RSV antibody immunization

Did you know that there are antibodies available that you can give to your baby to keep them from contracting RSV? It’s a great way to give their immune system an extra boost.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that “infants born outside of the RSV season who are younger than 8 months should receive a single dose of the RSV Immunization shortly before their first RSV season (typically the fall).” Consult with your pediatrician regarding any concerns or questions you have. Taking measures such as giving your baby antibodies will give them the upper hand when they come in contact with the virus.

None of us want to see our babies ill, so take action today by prioritizing reducing interactions with others who may be sick, washing your hands and surfaces, avoiding smoke areas and providing them a dose of antibodies. Please don’t hesitate to take your little one to their primary pediatrician if you start noticing signs of RSV.

Lindsey Certonio is a project manager at Stage Marketing, a full-service content marketing agency based in Provo.