RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common virus that primarily affects the respiratory tract, often causing cold-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and runny nose. In young children, especially those with developing immune systems, RSV can lead to more severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. As winter approaches, RSV cases typically increase, raising concerns for parents of young children. BlackDoctor.org spoke with Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins, a new mom and board-certified OB-GYN, about how she navigates these challenges while balancing her medical career, a growing social media platform, and caring for her baby.
Understanding RSV and Its Risks for Infants
RSV poses serious risks to infants, particularly those under one year old.
“RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, can be particularly dangerous for infants because their immune systems are still developing. In the first few weeks and months, their airways are very small, making it easy for the virus to cause breathing difficulties. If their airways become inflamed, it’s harder for them to get enough oxygen, which can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. For some babies, especially those with underlying health issues, this can mean hospitalization, oxygen support, and other interventions,” Dr. Perkins shares.
As winter approaches, Dr. Perkins emphasizes the importance of taking preventive measures. Recently, the FDA approved the first antibody treatment (Beyfortus) aimed at protecting infants from RSV.
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“I was thrilled when this antibody treatment became available because it offers such a crucial layer of protection. It’s been thoroughly researched and proven effective in reducing the risk of RSV in infants. As a new mom, I knew I wanted every tool to protect my child, especially given the risks we see as physicians in the hospital. As soon as it became available, I made sure my baby received it, which gave me great peace of mind,” Dr. Perkins notes.
Recognizing RSV Symptoms and Taking Preventative Measures
Aside from the antibody treatment, there are other measures you can take to protect your child from RSV. One of the first things is recognizing the warning signs.
RSV symptoms in infants can mimic a common cold, with signs such as a runny nose, sneezing, and fever. However, you should also look for more serious indicators, such as rapid breathing, a decrease in appetite, and lethargy.
“If they’re struggling to breathe, you might see their chest muscles working hard or hear wheezing. If symptoms get severe, it’s essential to seek medical attention because they may need more than just at-home care,” Dr. Perkins advises.
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Dr. Perkins also recommends talking to your pediatrician about preventative options and practicing good hygiene.
“Practicing good hygiene, like frequent hand-washing, avoiding exposure to sick people, and limiting close contact, especially in crowded spaces, can help,” she adds.
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Addressing Health Disparities in the Black Community
Beyond RSV, Dr. Perkins is deeply committed to addressing health disparities that disproportionately impact Black mothers and children.
“The Black community faces a variety of disproportionate health risks, from preterm birth to infections that can lead to complications. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of prevention and access to resources like the RSV antibody. There are many social and economic barriers, including lack of access to quality healthcare, delayed diagnoses, and limited resources. Educating patients and raising awareness is key. I want my patients to be empowered with knowledge so they can advocate for their families and make informed decisions about their health,” she shares.
Transitioning into Motherhood While Practicing Medicine
Becoming a mother was a transformative experience for Dr. Perkins, bringing new perspectives to her role as a healthcare provider and reinforcing the importance of tackling these issues.
“Becoming a mother, which has now been 11 months in the making, changed the way I approach my career. Before, I was really focused on my career, my profession, and caring for my patients. But now, I’m much more mindful about my time, making sure that I’m paving a path that makes life in her future as bright and beautiful as possible,” Dr. Perkins shares.
Addressing Misconceptions in Pregnancy and Postpartum Health
As a maternal health advocate, Dr. Perkins strives to educate her patients on common misconceptions about pregnancy and postpartum health.
“One of the first misconceptions I experienced myself is that pregnancy is always this beautiful, joyful experience. But in reality, it comes with a lot of challenges that are unique to each person. I didn’t enjoy my pregnancy as much as I thought I would because it wasn’t always as beautiful or easy as I expected,” she notes.
For example, the commonly held belief that “eating for two” means consuming double the calories is misleading. Instead, Dr. Perkins stresses the importance of focusing on nutrient-dense foods that support the health of both the mother and the developing baby without excessive weight gain, which can complicate recovery.
“You don’t actually need to double your intake… Overeating can lead to a tougher recovery postpartum, especially if you gain more weight than necessary,” she notes.
Dr. Perkins also highlights misconceptions around postpartum depression (PPD), noting that it can affect both mothers and their partners and can begin as early as the second trimester.
Amplifying Her Message Through Social Media
Dr. Perkins also has a growing social media platform, where she connects with parents, sharing tips on maternal and infant health.
“Social media has been a powerful way to reach people beyond my office. It lets me connect with families, answer questions, and provide information on topics they might forget to ask during doctor’s visits. My goal is to create a space where moms can feel supported and informed, and social media is an amazing tool for that,” she shares.
Final Advice for Parents
For Dr. Perkins, being both a doctor and a mother has only deepened her commitment to serving her patients and educating them on making informed decisions for their families.
She encourages families to seek a healthcare provider who feels like an advocate—someone who approaches their care with the same dedication they would for their own family.
Connect with Dr. Perkins on social media for more insights and tips by following her at @callmedoctor.p
