I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for MedImmune. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
November 17th is World Prematurity Day. It’s a day that resonates with parents worldwide, whether you’ve had a premature baby or not. While my 3 kids were born full-term and healthy, testing out their well-formed lungs at full capacity, the possibility of an early arrival was always on my mind.
Looking at pictures of my 3 beautiful babies, it’s an understatement to say that new parents have enough to worry about. However, a preterm birth brings with it even more complications. There’s the added stress of a variety of illnesses and infections that these preemie babies are more susceptible to. Among the greatest risk is that of RSV.
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common seasonal virus contracted by nearly all children by the age of 2. This virus typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full-term babies. Preterm babies, however, are born with underdeveloped lungs and immature immune systems that put them at heightened risk for developing a severe case of RSV that often requires hospitalization.
RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Additionally, the virus can live on the skin and surfaces for hours. While there is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, to help minimize the spread of RSV disease all parents should abide by a few simple rules. In essence, prevention is critical.
How Can I Help Protect My Baby From RSV?
· Wash their hands and ask others to do the same
· Keep toys, clothes, blanket and sheets clean
· Avoid crowds and other young children during RSV season
· Never let anyone smoke around your baby
· Steer clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick
Being the parent of a new baby is stressful enough, with every cough and movement studied and fretted about. We shouldn’t have to see our littlest of children in the hospital.
For more information about RSV and prevention, visit www.RSVprotection.com. Please also use the hash tag #RSVawareness when tweeting.
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