Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Medimmune and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.
When you have a new baby at home you think that you will experience crying and sleepless nights. If you have a premature baby many parents face greater challenges to protect their children.
Each year worldwide, 13 million babies are born prematurely. Despite these overwhelming numbers, many parents still aren’t aware of the risks of premature birth — the leading cause of neonatal death. In fact, 75 percent of parents don’t know the definition of prematurity (birth at or before 37 weeks gestation), and during prenatal care, most pregnant women don’t ask their healthcare provider about the risk of delivering prematurely and the potential consequences of preterm birth for their child.
Because of their immature lungs and fragile immune systems, preemies often have specialized health needs. Preterm infants do not receive the full amount of infection-fighting antibodies that are transferred in utero, leaving many susceptible to a variety of illnesses and infections, especially during the winter months. In the time leading up to November 17—World Prematurity Day—we’re hoping to educate all parents of the increased risks that often come with premature birth, particularly around one seasonal virus that poses a threat to infants – Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
It is not until your baby gets sick that you understand what true panic feels like. Many times you don’t know what is wrong with your little one, you are lucky if you have a good pediatrician that can listen and see you when you need too.
After a good examination, your baby could be diagnosed with upper respirator infection or RSV.
What is RSV?
• RSV is a common seasonal virus, contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, and
typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full-term babies.
• RSV occurs in epidemics each year, typically from November through March, though it can vary
by geography and year-to-year.
• RSV disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of
life in the United States, with approximately 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 200 infant
deaths each year.
• Despite being so common, many parents aren’t aware of RSV; in fact, one-third of mothers have
never heard of the virus
Why are preemies at Higher Risk of RSV?
While every baby is at risk of contracting RSV, babies born prematurely are at increased risk for developing severe RSV disease. In fact, preterm infants are twice as likely as full-term infants to be admitted to the hospital for RSV-related symptoms.
What are the Symptons of Severe RSV Disease?
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:
• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
• Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
• Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F [rectal] in infants under 3 months of age)
How can I protect my baby from RSV?
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. There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical. To help minimize the spread of RSV disease, all parents should:
• 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
There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical. A pediatrician is the best way for mothers to get answers to their child’s health issues. Speak to your child’s pediatrician to determine if your baby is at high risk for RSV disease, and if so what additional steps maybe recommended. For more information about RSV and prevention, visit www.RSVprotection.com
No once their child to be sick, but being armed with all the knowledge that is out their regarding all illnesses will make parents better able to prevent and cope with these types of viruses.
