Catherine Giudici Lowe from “The Bachelor” shares why it's vital new and expecting parents know the facts on RSV

In 2018, “The Bachelor” star and businesswoman Catherine Giudici Lowe’s son was hospitalized at just 5 months old with what she thought was a cold. It turned out it was RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a common respiratory virus that can lead to serious complications in babies and young children. The experience was very traumatic for the family. Now, Catherine is sharing her story so other families know the facts about RSV.

I knew nothing about RSV before my son, Isaiah, was hospitalized with it. He’d been sick with a cough, a stuffy nose, and a fever for about three days, but we were in the midst of cold and flu season, so my husband Sean and I thought it was just a regular cold. 

I remember I was at work and got a phone call from Sean, saying he was in the emergency room (ER) with Isaiah. Sean noticed him struggling with severe congestion and brought him to the pediatrician – and our pediatrician advised them to go to the ER immediately. I felt so helpless. 

When I got to the hospital and saw Isaiah hooked up to all the tubes, I was terrified and overcome with sadness. He was hooked up to oxygen due to his levels being so low as a result of the build-up of mucus. The doctors were also worried about choking and vomiting, so he was also attached to an IV for feeding. I was nursing at the time, so seeing him being fed intravenously was very traumatic. I tried everything possible to hold my emotions together. 

Isaiah was diagnosed with RSV, which led to bronchiolitis, and he was moved from the ER to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). (RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants.) I was so thankful that Sean had taken him to the hospital when he did. 

Isaiah spent four nights in the PICU, and honestly, it was a hard thing to navigate, especially with another child. Fortunately, Sean’s parents were caring for our older son, Samuel, who was 2 years old at the time. That was such a blessing because we could solely focus on Isaiah’s care with their help. My in-laws brought Samuel to visit us in the hospital every day, which brought us hope and helped ground Sean and me during such a distressing time. 

We were not familiar with RSV prior to Isaiah’s diagnosis. Here’s what I’ve learned since this ordeal: RSV can cause mild, cold-like symptoms but can also lead to more severe problems such as bronchiolitis, like in Isaiah’s case. It’s highly contagious and the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children younger than 1 year old. Most children get infected with RSV at least once before age 2.  

Looking back, I wish I had known how dangerous RSV can be for babies before Isaiah was hospitalized with it. Isaiah’s diagnosis meant he couldn’t get air, which was so scary. I didn’t know it can affect your child’s airways or any of the signs and symptoms. I don’t recall my OB-GYN ever telling me about RSV or how it can lead to something serious like bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Now, I’m hoping my experience will help others. For women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, I encourage you to talk to your OB-GYN or other healthcare provider about ways to help protect your newborn from RSV. It is a serious virus, and I am committed to helping parents understand and possibly avoid a similar situation.

And if you’re wondering how Isaiah is doing today, my 5-year-old is a bull! He is healthy, strong, and one of the funniest kids I know. 

To learn more about RSV, talk to your OB-GYN or other healthcare provider and visit BewareofRSV.com.

Catherine Giudici Lowe is an entrepreneur, graphic designer, social media influencer, wife, and mom to three beautiful children. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband Sean, sons Samuel and Isaiah, and daughter Mia. Catherine and Sean met on the popular TV Series “The Bachelor” back on Season 17 in 2013. She has a passion for fashion and home design, and has founded LoweCo., a high-end stationery company, and Home by Catherine & Sean Lowe, a furniture line. She and Sean are also focused on purpose-driven and charitable work.

 This post is sponsored by Pfizer.