Ask Dr. Hirsch: Weekly Q&A with Dr. Shari Hirsch, Pediatrician and Lactation Specialist at Lev Pediatric Care
This Week’s Question:
“RSV and asthma season is here. What should parents know, and when should we
worry?”
Dr. Hirsch’s Answer:
Fall and winter bring a lot of coughing and runny noses. RSV, colds, and asthma
flare-ups all show up together, and it can be hard to know what is normal and
what needs a visit. Let’s keep this simple and calm.
What RSV is
RSV is a very common virus that usually looks like a regular cold. Older kids
often do fine with it. In babies, especially under about 9 months, RSV can
sometimes move into the smaller airways and make breathing harder. That is why
we pay closer attention in infants.
A helpful new layer of protection
You may hear about Beyfortus this season. It is not a vaccine. It is a
long-acting antibody that gives babies ready-made protection for RSV during the
months they are most vulnerable.
Most infants in their first RSV season are eligible. Some
higher-risk toddlers may qualify in a second season. Many hospitals can give it
before a newborn goes home. It does not block every infection, but it can
greatly lower the chance of severe illness. Ask your pediatrician if your baby
should get it.
Why asthma gets tougher now
Cold air and viral infections are two big asthma triggers. If your child has
asthma, this time of year can bring more coughing, wheezing, and night
symptoms. Now is the right time to make sure you have an asthma action plan,
your inhalers are current, and you know when to start rescue or controller
meds. If you have been meaning to schedule an asthma check-in, do it early in
the season.
When to call your pediatrician
Call if you see:
- Fast
or hard breathing, like belly breathing, flaring nostrils, or ribs pulling
in.
- Wheezing
or a cough that is not letting your child rest.
- Trouble
feeding in a baby, or fewer wet diapers than usual.
- Fever
lasting more than 3 days.
- Asthma
symptoms that are not improving with the usual inhaler.
Go for urgent care right away if you see pauses in
breathing, a blue or gray tint around the lips or face, or severe trouble
breathing.
Bottom line
RSV and asthma season can feel like a lot, but you do not have to figure it out
alone. Watch breathing, feeding, and energy. Trust your instincts. If something
feels off, we want to hear from you early.
Dr. Shari Hirsch, MD, specializes in infant feeding, including expert newborn support, lactation guidance, and frenotomy (tongue-tie release). She also offers emotional wellness care, with guidance and medication management for attention, mood, and anxiety support.
Lev Pediatric Care is located at Evergreen Uptown Mall in Pomona. Their hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:45 pm, and Friday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule, call 845-579-5700. They also provide free car service to and from doctor visits.
Have a question for next week’s column? Send it to Lev Pediatric Care, and Dr. Hirsch may feature it in an upcoming Q&A
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