Becoming a mother was one of the happiest and best things that could ever happen to me. However it was also the scariest. With each of my pregnancies I have been “High Risk”. With my first child he was born premature. My doctor decided to take him early for the safety of him and also myself. I knew that this was the best thing however, I still knew they were many risk for him being born so early. Luckily everything was fine at the end. November 17th was World Prematurity Day, an important day designed to help raise public awareness about the problem of global prematurity, which affects more than 13 million babies worldwide. I took this day to reflect on what all we have been through during those first months and also other family and friends who had preemies. I think all parents of preemies share a strong bond with each other even after we leave the hospital.
When the weather starts getting cooler and winter coming I am sure I’m not alone when say that I start stocking up on cold medicine, tissues, and vitamin supplements, to be prepared for the cold and sniffles. While most us Moms are very familiar with colds and the flu, few are aware of another common and potentially life-threatening seasonal virus called, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the U.S. According to the CDC, “RSV season” typically runs from November to March in most of the U.S., but can vary based on where you live. As a mom of a preemie and also an aunt of 4 premature babies, I know how serious RSV is. Those few months are the scariest. One in eight babies is born premature in the U.S.-over half a million every year! The doctors and nurses try to educate all parents of preemies of the signs and symptoms before leaving the hospital. However even the littlest cold worries parents. It’s very important that you understand the risk, take prevention steps and also be aware of the symptoms and contact your child’s health provider as soon as possible.
Nearly every baby contracts respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by age two. In most full-term babies, symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and parents may not even know their child has the virus. However, because they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection, preterm infants—even those born just a few weeks early—are at increased risk for developing an RSV-related infection, often requiring medical attention or hospitalization. Parents should speak with their pediatrician to find out if their baby is at high risk for developing severe RSV disease, and how they can prevent against RSV this winter.
Nearly every baby contracts respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by age two. In most full-term babies, symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and parents may not even know their child has the virus. However, because they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection, preterm infants—even those born just a few weeks early—are at increased risk for developing an RSV-related infection, often requiring medical attention or hospitalization. Parents should speak with their pediatrician to find out if their baby is at high risk for developing severe RSV disease, and how they can prevent against RSV this winter.
RSV Quick Facts:
- RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
- RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
- Certain regions have longer RSV seasons than others, with the season beginning as early as July (e.g., Florida) or ending in April.
- Despite its prevalence, one-third of mothers have never heard of RSV.
Prevention is Key:
There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:
- Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently
- Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer
- Avoid large crowds and people who may be sick
- Never let anyone smoke near your baby
- Speak with your child’s doctor if you believe he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available
Be Aware of Symptoms:
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
- Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails
- High fever
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty feeding
To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com. For more about the specialized health needs of preterm infants, visit www.preemievoices.com.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate
