Samantha Schumann holds her son max close as she reflects on his life-threatening battle with RSV. He contracted the respiratory virus back in October when he was just five weeks old. His symptoms continued to get worse, and he was eventually admitted to Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

If you are having any symptoms such as aches, shortness of breath, or coughing, you should avoid holiday gatherings to prevent the spread of illness to your friends and family. Doctors say continuing to practice hand washing and social distancing like at the height of the pandemic is the best way to not catch viruses.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that affects the lungs. Young children suffer from the virus, with babies born prematurely or with heart or lung conditions at the highest risk. Common symptoms of RSV include trouble breathing, coughing, and irritability. If your child is showing symptoms, it is highly recommended that you take them to the hospital to get tested for RSV.