BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – As it starts to get colder outside, the Alabama Department of Public Health is warning about RSV and its effects on young children.

Although doctors aren’t seeing many cases of RSV right now, they expect to see a peak in the colder months and have already seen a few cases this year.

RSV is a respiratory virus that can affect anyone at any age, but symptoms are most severe in children younger than 6 months or older people, doctors said.

RSV symptoms include cough or runny nose.

These start as cold symptoms, but over time can progress to breathing difficulties, difficulties breastfeeding or bottle feeding, and a severe cough.

Doctors say a child can contract RSV in the first nine months of life, with symptoms usually peaking five to seven days after they begin.

“Thankfully, a vaccine has been developed against RSV that has become widespread in the last few years. It was introduced last year, and over time this should be a good way to prevent RSV or prevent serious complications of RSV using this vaccine,” said Dr. Wes Stubblefield, ADPH.

Doctors said the RSV vaccine is only given between October and March because that period is expected and a six-month shot can help children get through the RSV season.

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