Helping Protect Our Latino Babies from RSV Requires Community Awareness and Action 

Helping Protect Our Latino Babies from RSV Requires Community Awareness and Action 

Did you know that Latino babies may be more vulnerable to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)? While severe RSV is rare, it can quickly escalate from mild, cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress. It is important for parents to learn about how to help prevent against the number one reason why babies are hospitalized in the US. 

Since RSV spreads easily, fostering a culture of awareness and proactive support is essential. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can empower Latino families to take meaningful action, ensuring our children thrive in a nurturing environment.

Here’s a look at what parents can do and how generational knowledge can help safeguard Latino babies.  

Prescribing Information

Understand What RSV Is

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can lead to serious lung infections in infants. Symptoms often mimic those of a cold, including:  

  • Coughing  
  • Runny nose  
  • Fever  

Although most cases are mild, RSV can be unpredictable. Babies are 16 times more likely to be hospitalized due to RSV than due to the flu. It is vital for parents to be vigilant about recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice when necessary. Read more information on RSV at https://bit.ly/49tXdYf.

Educate the Community About RSV

Knowledge is power, and educating family and friends about RSV is essential.   Understanding that virtually all children will contract RSV by age two can help normalize discussions around the virus and encourage proactive measures.  

Set Boundaries During Gatherings

In Latino culture, family gatherings are an integral part of social life. However, these gatherings can pose risks to vulnerable infants. Parents should feel empowered to set boundaries with loved ones regarding interactions with their babies. This can include:  

  • Limiting physical contact with infants during large family events.  
  • Encouraging guests to wash their hands before holding the baby.  
  • Politely requesting that family members avoid visiting if they are ill.  

Stay Informed About RSV Symptoms and Care

Parents should familiarize themselves with the signs of severe RSV and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen. Severe RSV can develop quickly, and it is crucial to recognize when to seek help. Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help families navigate care effectively. Learning about proactive methods to help protect against severe RSV can also alleviate the burden of disease. 

Share Information About Treatment

Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip) 50mg and 100mg Injection is a preventative antibody that can help prevent serious RSV lung infections in babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season and in children up to 24 months who remain at risk of severe RSV disease. Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus.

Parents should consult their pediatricians about the immunization, ensuring they understand:  

  • Depending on when they’re born, your baby can receive Beyfortus at birth or at a regular checkup during or entering their first RSV season (typically fall through spring). 
  • Beyfortus is not a vaccine. It is a preventative antibody that gives babies the protection against RSV they lack 
  • Beyfortus is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 
  • Beyfortus has been added to the approved immunization schedule for babies and can be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines  
  • The most common side effects of Beyfortus include rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your baby’s injection. These are not all the possible side effects of Beyfortus. 
  • Beyfortus may not protect all children. 

Create a Support Network

Community support is vital in helping families address health challenges. Establishing a network of friends and family can provide emotional and practical support. This could involve:  

  • Regular check-ins on each other’s children’s health.  
  • Sharing resources or referrals for pediatricians and healthcare services.  

Taking action against RSV is a shared responsibility that involves community awareness, education, and proactive measures. With the support found within the Latino community and leveraging generational knowledge, families help protect their Latino babies from serious RSV lung infections.   

For those who want to learn more, Beyfortus provides information in both English and Spanish.   

INDICATION

Beyfortus is a prescription medicine used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in:

  • Newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season.
  • Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus.

Before your child receives Beyfortus, tell your healthcare provider about all of your child’s medical conditions, including if your child:

  • has ever had a reaction to Beyfortus.
  • has bleeding or bruising problems. If your child has a problem with bleeding or bruises easily, an injection could cause a problem.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your infant should not receive a medicine called palivizumab if they have already received Beyfortus in the same RSV season.

Serious allergic reactions have happened with Beyfortus. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

  • swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • unresponsiveness
  • bluish color of skin, lips, or under fingernails
  • muscle weakness
  • severe rash, hives, or itching

The most common side effects of Beyfortus include rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your child’s injection. These are not all the possible side effects of Beyfortus. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about side effects.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for more details.

MAT-US-2406054-v1.0-11/2024 

For Image credit or remove please email for immediate removal - info@belatina.com