Vanessa Lachey warns parents about dangerous virus that hospitalized her

Most parents are aware of the risk of infection, which is a risk of death, which may be just as dangerous, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Actress and mother of three, Vanessa Lachey knows all too well about RSV, it hit her youngest child Phoenix in February 2017.

RSV can cause infections of the lungs and respiratory tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. While the common virus is usually affected by severe cold, it can cause severe infections.

Lachey's was born prematurely at 30 weeks on December 24, 2016. About a year later he came down with RSV.

"His lungs were not fully developed like a full term baby. His immune system was immature unlike a full term baby. And so when he got the virus it affected him, "Lachey told Fox News.

RSV causes up to 125,000 hospitalizations each year in the US, and globally can cause 160,000 deaths each year, according to the National Institute of Health.

When Lachey first called her doctor about her future, she told me that she was probably going to have a good time, and that she was going to have a job. .

"His breathing started becoming rapid. His lips were turning blue. He had this look in his face. He was very lethargic, and there was wheezing along with a cough, "Lachey said.

Vanessa Lachey's youngest child, Phoenix, was hospitalized for six days after he developed RSV.
(Vanessa Lachey)

According to the CDC, the symptoms of RSV infection include: runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.

At the time, Lachey was traveling with his family for his husband's grandmother's 90th birthday. Nick Lachey for seven years. The couple, two children, Brooklyn, 3, and Camden, 6.

"We were out of the country at the time because we were told it was just a common cold, a flu. And I said to my husband, 'This is not right.' Everything and my mommy bones are tingling, "Lachey said.

The family rushed back to the States and they have been touched down to a medical facility.

"He was taken in an ambulance to the hospital and his oxygen level in the 70s, which is very low."

Phoenix was hooked up to a breathing machine to manage his RSV-related symptoms.
(Vanessa Lachey)

The average oxygen level ranges from 90-100 percent, anything lower and administered oxygen is recommended.

At the hospital, Phoenix was hooked up to a breathing machine and was diagnosed with RSV through a nasal swab. He had to stay in the hospital closely for six days.

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After Lachey's traumatic experience, she's now passionate about telling parents how they can be preventative in this stage of their baby's life.

"I want everyone to know about RSV," Lachey said. "Ask the questions and if they [doctors] say no and you know something is wrong then you just have to keep pushing. Honestly I wish I pushed a little more. I wish I educated myself a little more. "

Lachey said parents should continue to make sure their kids wash their hands during RSV season. You can try having them sing the ABC's to make sure they're washing long enough, she said. She also recommended you to have sex with you as soon as possible. It's also important to wash your kid's clothes and put them in the dryer.

"I'm looking for you, I'm getting there, I'm going to have a good time. "Lachey said," You have to have a baby boy hooked up to breathe these machines, "Lachey said.