It’s that delightful time of year—filled with holidays, travel, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, it’s also a time when concerns rise—particularly regarding increased rates of viruses, marking the onset of cold, flu, and RSV season.
As of November 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that RSV levels are beginning to rise in the central and western regions of the United States, while emergency room visits and hospitalizations among young children have already surged in the southern, central, and eastern areas.
The CDC predicts that this fall and winter’s viral season may result in hospitalizations from RSV, flu, and COVID-19 that are comparable to or slightly lower than last year’s peak. Nonetheless, even with a potentially lower peak, respiratory illness hospitalizations are still expected to be significantly higher than pre-pandemic statistics. This serves as a potent reminder to stay vigilant and utilize all available measures to safeguard our children this season.
Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, for children under the age of two, premature infants, and older adults, the virus can result in severe—and potentially life-threatening—conditions, particularly lower respiratory infections like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Last year witnessed significant progress in our battle against RSV and other respiratory viruses. In 2023, we welcomed the introduction of a maternal RSV vaccine administered during pregnancy to safeguard newborns, an RSV therapy for infants under 8 months, and RSV vaccines for adults over 60 (especially relevant for grandparents). Additionally, updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccines and renewed flu vaccines were made available for everyone over 6 months old.
While there were hurdles last year—such as the limited supply of RSV therapy for babies, necessitating prioritization for those at higher risk—health officials have been addressing these concerns. As of October 2024, the RSV therapy is anticipated to be more broadly accessible. Nonetheless, the uptake of COVID-19 and flu vaccines remains disappointingly low, highlighting the ongoing need for proactive measures to protect our communities during this viral season.
As a parent, my utmost concern is for the safety and health of my child. However, faced with challenges like these (and germs everywhere), guaranteeing his well-being during such unpredictable times is increasingly difficult.
Despite feeling anxious about my child’s welfare, the uptick in RSV cases has compelled me to enter full mama bear mode to safeguard him. I won’t apologize for prioritizing his health.
While I can’t control every outcome, I can certainly take steps to minimize my child’s risk of exposure to RSV. That is precisely what I intend to do.
I plan to avoid playdates to lessen the chance of children exchanging germs while sharing toys.
I will skip family gatherings where my sister’s kids are showing signs of illness, preferring safety over regret.
I’ll be reestablishing boundaries I previously relaxed, such as restricting others from picking up or holding my son and insisting that visitors wash their hands before touching his belongings.
Our home will have less traffic, and we aim to limit visits to others’ houses. In fact, my husband and I have chosen not to host any holiday gatherings this year and even opted out of Thanksgiving with extended family because of a sick relative.
I’ll firmly communicate that no one (and I mean no one, except for my husband and me) should kiss our child.
And I’ll stand resolutely by my decisions.
Indeed, it’s difficult when the holiday season is ideally a time to connect with loved ones and celebrate family traditions. However, I am learning to accept that making tough choices is necessary to protect my child’s health.
Having witnessed RSV affect many families, and knowing friends who have spent harrowing nights in hospitals as their children received treatment, I am committed to doing everything I can to minimize the risk for my child.
It can be frustrating to have to overshare my reasoning when others don’t comprehend why I’m setting boundaries. It’s disheartening when people choose to criticize me for being “difficult” or “excessive” rather than honoring my family’s needs.
I am not being overly dramatic or unreasonable. I have every right to express concern for my child’s well-being and to be protective during this RSV season.
I ask for respect regarding my boundaries. Others need not agree with or understand my choices, and they aren’t required to make the same decisions for their own children. Each of us has the right to act in the best interest of our family.
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