Baby Jimmy: RSV and cystic fibrosis are a risky combination

“My gorgeous boy was born with cystic fibrosis, so it goes without saying that he has needed a little more medical attention than the average child. 

When Jimmy was about five months old, I noticed he had the sniffles. During a scheduled medical appointment, the doctor observed that Jimmy’s breathing was slightly impaired and told us to keep an eye on him. He said it was ‘probably a virus’. 

The next day, Jimmy woke up with short, sharp breathing. He was very unwell. That ‘virus’ the doctor mentioned was RSV. 

We took Jimmy to hospital where he was placed on oxygen within the hour. He stayed for a week, requiring high-flow oxygen, tube feeding and an IV line.  

I’m a registered nurse so I’ve looked after babies with RSV before, but being a mother on the other side was a whole new experience. To watch your baby slowly decline like that was very hard.  

I believe that RSV has had a lasting impact on Jimmy, who’s about to turn three. He has some lung damage and other issues, which his older brother – who also has cystic fibrosis – has not experienced. 

It’s important to be alert to the major respiratory viruses – flu, COVID-19 and RSV – and know the signs of serious illness.  

Don’t be afraid to seek help if you suspect something isn’t right. You know your child best.” 

Elli Anderson, Woodbridge, WA