Wednesday, September 26, 2012
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Every year, as we
head into the fall, parents being gearing up for the upcoming cold and flu
season. Parents of preemies and
other babies with chronic diseases have another virus they need to be concerned
about: RSV.
Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV) is an infection that can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very
young infants, particularly those under the age of 1. Preemies, babies under the age of 2 who have congenital
heart disease or chronic lung disease, and children with compromised immune
systems are at the highest risk for severe illness. As a result, it’s important to protect
your preemie as much as possible so they do not become infected with RSV.
RSV is transmitted
through similar ways as a cold.
When someone coughs or sneezes, airborne droplets can infect someone who
inhales them or comes in direct contact with them another way, via the eyes,
nose, or mouth. You can also
become infected with the virus through indirect contact with a contaminated
surface, such as a doorknob, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with
your hand.
Preventative measures
are similar to measures used to avoid infection from colds and influenza. Good hand hygiene should be practiced:
wash thoroughly for a minimum of 15-20 seconds with soap and water, or use
alcohol-based hand sanitizers before handling your preemie, especially after
blowing your nose or coughing into your hands. Avoid those who are sick, and ask people who are ill to
avoid visits until they are no longer contagious. If you need to take your preemie out in public, baby
wearing, either in a carrier or wrap, can help deter the general public from
trying to touch your child, or you can purchase a small stop sign to hang on
the handle of your infant seat (or attach to your stroller) that says “Please
wash your hands before touching mine.”
You can purchase a sign at My Tiny Hands or Its a Preemie Thing
Some preemies will
qualify for an antibody shot (Synagis) to help protect them from RSV infection. Synagis works like the flu shot in that
it will help lessen the severity of symptoms if RSV infection occurs, but it will
not completely prevent infection from happening. Synagis is given monthly throughout the duration of RSV
season for your area.
The CDC website is a
fabulous source of information on RSV.
The following are links to specific pages that may be helpful to you as
you journey through the season:
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