Rachel V Thomas

RSV Warning: Welsh Mum Urges Pregnant Women To Get Vaccine After Baby Nearly Dies

A Welsh mother whose newborn daughter nearly died after contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect their babies.

Jo Goldsmith said she was told to “prepare for the worst” after her daughter Phoebe contracted RSV just five days after birth, the BBC reported. Phoebe, now four, developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to a hospital’s high-dependency unit.

Goldsmith said the vaccine was not available when she was pregnant but that she “definitely would have had it.”

“I wouldn't want any family to go through what we went through,” she said.

RSV vaccinations for pregnant women were introduced in Wales in September 2024.

“She was five days old, she had quite a lot of congestion... and we noticed quite quickly that she seemed to be breathing very fast and was struggling,” Goldsmith said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/flu-vaccine-why-october-is-a-good-time-to-get-your-family-vaccinated-article-156324870" data-type="tilCustomLink">Flu Vaccine: Why October Is A Good Time To Get Your Family Vaccinated</a>

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to serious illness, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Almost every child contracts RSV by the age of two. The virus can cause severe illness in infants, with up to three in every 100 infected infants requiring hospitalization.

Maternal vaccination with RSVpreF (Abrysvo) helps protect newborns against RSV during their first months of life. However, uptake has remained relatively low in the US and Europe since the vaccine was introduced in 2023, according to a study published last week in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.

In the UK, the RSV vaccine is routinely offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their babies. It is also offered to eligible older adults, including everyone aged 75 and over. Older adults generally need only one dose, while women are advised to receive the vaccine during every pregnancy.

Maternal RSV vaccination allows protective antibodies to pass from the mother to the baby before birth. More than 30 countries have introduced maternal RSV vaccination, either as a stand-alone intervention or alongside other preventive measures, such as infant immunization.

RSV spreads through respiratory secretions, including saliva and mucus, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. In the US, infections typically occur from late fall to early spring, although seasonal patterns vary by region.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/xfg-variant-in-spain-covid-19-cases-rise-amid-respiratory-infection-surge-article-156332841" data-type="tilCustomLink">XFG Variant In Spain: COVID-19 Cases Rise Amid Respiratory Infection Surge</a>

RSV symptoms usually appear four to six days after exposure. Early signs often resemble a common cold and include:

<ul><li>Runny nose and sneezing</li><li>Cough</li><li>Decreased appetite</li><li>Irritability and tiredness in infants</li></ul>

Babies may also develop rapid or labored breathing. In some cases, the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Parents should seek urgent medical attention if a baby has difficulty breathing, shows signs of dehydration or becomes unusually unresponsive. Severe breathing difficulties require emergency care.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

rsv-warning-welsh-mum-urges-pregnant-women-to-get-vaccine-after-baby-nearly-dies

rsvpref

RSV virus

respiratory virus

winter virus

Respiratory Infections

jo goldsmith

can-panty-liners-pose-a-cancer-risk-what-science-says

Can Panty Liners Pose A Cancer Risk? What Science Says

parkinsons-disease-women-have-more-motor-complications-depression

Parkinson’s Disease: Women Have More Motor Complications, Depression

Parenting

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

A Welsh mother whose newborn daughter nearly died after contracting respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated to protect their babies.Jo Goldsmith said she was told to “prepare for the worst” after her daughter Phoebe contracted RSV just five days after birth, the BBC reported. Phoebe, now four, developed breathing difficulties and was admitted to a hospital’s high-dependency unit.Goldsmith said the vaccine was not available when she was pregnant but that she “definitely would have had it.”“I wouldn't want any family to go through what we went through,” she said.RSV vaccinations for pregnant women were introduced in Wales in September 2024.“She was five days old, she had quite a lot of congestion... and we noticed quite quickly that she seemed to be breathing very fast and was struggling,” Goldsmith said.What Is RSV?Also read: Flu Vaccine: Why October Is A Good Time To Get Your Family VaccinatedRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to serious illness, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.Almost every child contracts RSV by the age of two. The virus can cause severe illness in infants, with up to three in every 100 infected infants requiring hospitalization.Maternal vaccination with RSVpreF (Abrysvo) helps protect newborns against RSV during their first months of life. However, uptake has remained relatively low in the US and Europe since the vaccine was introduced in 2023, according to a study published last week in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.In the UK, the RSV vaccine is routinely offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their babies. It is also offered to eligible older adults, including everyone aged 75 and over. Older adults generally need only one dose, while women are advised to receive the vaccine during every pregnancy.Maternal RSV vaccination allows protective antibodies to pass from the mother to the baby before birth. More than 30 countries have introduced maternal RSV vaccination, either as a stand-alone intervention or alongside other preventive measures, such as infant immunization.How Does RSV Spread?RSV spreads through respiratory secretions, including saliva and mucus, and through contact with contaminated surfaces. In the US, infections typically occur from late fall to early spring, although seasonal patterns vary by region.What Are The Symptoms Of RSV?Read More: XFG Variant In Spain: COVID-19 Cases Rise Amid Respiratory Infection SurgeRSV symptoms usually appear four to six days after exposure. Early signs often resemble a common cold and include:Runny nose and sneezingCoughDecreased appetiteIrritability and tiredness in infantsBabies may also develop rapid or labored breathing. In some cases, the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract, causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia.Parents should seek urgent medical attention if a baby has difficulty breathing, shows signs of dehydration or becomes unusually unresponsive. Severe breathing difficulties require emergency care.

rsv warning: welsh mum urges pregnant women to get vaccine after baby nearly dies

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

RSV Warning: Welsh Mum Urges Pregnant Women To Get Vaccine After Baby Nearly Dies

High BP in Pregnancy Linked to 42,000 Maternal Deaths, 500,000+ Stillbirths, Newborn Deaths: WHO

Childhood Fitness Linked To Lower Risk Of Depression In Adulthood: 30-Year Study

WHO Cautions Against GLP-1s As First-Line Treatment For Childhood Obesity, Prioritises Lifestyle Changes

Health Conditions A-Z

RSV Warning: Welsh Mum Urges Pregnant Women To Get Vaccine After Baby Nearly Dies

Can Panty Liners Pose A Cancer Risk? What Science Says

Parkinson’s Disease: Women Have More Motor Complications, Depression