How to Protect Your Child from RSV Season: The Facts Every Parent Needs!

As parents, few things are more unsettling than worrying about your child’s breathing. Checking their little chest for signs of normal breathing can be emotionally draining. If you’re feeling this way, especially during RSV “season,” you’re not alone. The good news? You’re not powerless against RSV!

Understanding RSV Risk Factors

The reality of RSV is that some children are particularly vulnerable. Your child might face increased risk if they were born prematurely or experienced birth interventions such as C-section or induction. This can mean they are more susceptible to respiratory challenges and infections.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations in the U.S., with 58,000-80,000 children under five years old hospitalized annually. Babies under six months old are especially vulnerable, with a hospitalization rate of 26 per 1,000 infants.

But while exposure to RSV is common, serious illness is not inevitable. Here’s the empowering truth: you don’t have to simply wait and worry, hoping your child doesn’t get seriously ill. 

There are proactive steps you can take to build your child’s natural immunity and resilience against RSV.

By proactively supporting your child’s natural immunity, you can build their resilience and reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we understand that it’s not just about exposure to the virus itself – it’s about the resilience of your child’s immune system. Contrary to what some may believe, you’re not helpless against RSV. While you can’t prevent exposure, you can significantly strengthen your child’s ability to fight off the virus.

The Hidden Connection: Your Child’s Nervous System and Immunity

Your child’s immune system strength is closely tied to their nervous system. Think of the nervous system as the body’s master control center, managing everything from breathing to immune responses.

A balanced nervous system creates the foundation for strong, robust health. When in harmony, your child’s body can:

• Coordinate strong immune defenses against viruses like RSV
• Regulate inflammation effectively
• Support healthy sleep patterns
• Enhance digestion and nutrient absorption

However, when the nervous system shifts into “sympathetic overdrive” (fight-or-flight mode), these systems can become compromised. Rapid & shallow breathing, increased inflammation, disrupted sleep, and impaired digestion make it harder for the body to defend against viruses and other stressors. Immune responses get compromised.

Building Natural Resilience

At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we focus on strengthening your child’s resilience from within. Our Neurologically-Focused chiropractic adjustments are gentle and effective, helping to restore balance to the nervous system. This supports the immune system and equips your child’s body to naturally heal and defend itself.

We also partner with parents to implement holistic strategies that support immune health, including:

• Optimizing nutrition and gut health
• Reducing toxin exposure in your child’s environment
• Encouraging restorative sleep patterns

These steps work together to build a strong foundation of health, not just for RSV season but for your child’s long-term well-being.

Taking the First Step

Protecting your child from RSV doesn’t have to mean living in fear or relying solely on medical interventions. By addressing nervous system function and building natural immunity, you can navigate RSV season with confidence.

Don’t wait until RSV hits to take action. Schedule a consultation with us at Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic to learn how we can help your child thrive during RSV season and beyond. If you’re not local, visit the PX Docs directory to find a provider near you.

Remember, every step you take to build your child’s natural immunity brings them closer to a lifetime of resilience. Let’s take that journey together!