During the next few months, parents are urged to watch babies for signs of a lung infection that could turn deadly or cause lifelong health problems. In combination with the imminent flu season, RSV will be a major health threat to infants during the next few months.
From late fall until early spring is the peak season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants.
"Nearly 70 percent of children will contract RSV by the end of their first year," said Dr. Michael E. Speer, medical director of quality and outcomes management at Texas Children's Hospital and professor of Pediatrics in the section of neonatology at Baylor College of Medicine. "By the time a child is 2 years old, that number rises to 97 percent. In addition, the risk of re-infection between the ages of 1 and 2 years is 76 percent."
Every year, 80,000 babies are hospitalized nationwide and approximately 500 die due to RSV-related illnesses. The virus can result in permanent, chronic health conditions such as asthma and breathing disorders.
Learn more about the symptoms of and treatment for RSV on Texas Children's Web site.
Fifty former heart patients recently gathered to celebrate the past 50 years of hope, healing and innovations at Texas Children's Heart Center and to thank the physicians who treated them.
Watch the webcast to hear remarks from Texas Children's President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, Physician-in-Chief Dr. Ralph D. Feigin and other specialists about the Heart Center, its history and future and to meet former patients.
Read more on the Texas Children's Web site.
Jan. 14, 2005, Neonatology Update: New directions in nitric oxide therapy
For more information, visit http://cme.bcm.tmc.edu/search/detail.cfm?cme=449.
April 18-22, 2005, 14th Annual Texas Children's Hospital International Colloquium
For more information, visit http://www.texaschildrenshospital.org/AllAbout/International/Default.aspx.
April 21-23, 2005, 27th Annual Pediatric Post Graduate Symposium
For more information, visit http://cme.bcm.tmc.edu/search/detail.cfm?cme=439.
July 17-22, 2005, First Mesoamerican Pediatric Conference
For more information, visit http://www.asopedia.mirabase.net/eventos/item?item_id=8321.
Bookmark our professional education page to get regular updates to the Texas Children's professional education calendar.
