Disclosure: 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.
Four years ago I had never heard the term RSV until my son was having difficulty breathing, wheezing, and had a persistent cough. He had been sick for over a week and we had already been to the doctor’s office but he was just not getting better. After another trip to the doctor’s office and his oxygen level still low he was transferred by ambulance to the local hospital. We spent all afternoon there before being transferred to the local Children’s Hospital via a second ambulance ride. I will never forget those days in Children’s Hospital and how helpless I felt seeing my son in that condition.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common seasonal virus, that can cause causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. Luckily my son started feeling better the second day after being admitted, sitting up playing with a couple of toys, and drinking fluids but for some children including preemies, the risk is much greater. Preemies are born with undeveloped lungs and immature immune systems that put them at heightened risk for developing severe RSV disease.
November 17 is World Prematurity Day which hits close to home as a good friend of mine recently gave birth to twin boys at only 31 weeks. While the boys are still in the hospital, they’ll be exactly a month old on November 17th, its important to become familiar with the risks associated with pre-term babies as well as ways to prevent illnesses like RSV.
RSV season occurs mainly from November through March, but it can vary from year to year. Since their is no specific treatment, prevention is critical. It is important to follow these helpful tips at all times, but especially during RSV season.
- Always washing hands
- Keeping toys, clothes, and blankets clean
- Trying to avoid crowds
- Steering clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick.
For more information about RSV and prevention, visit RSVProtection.com.
