Protect Your Babies From RSV During the Cold Winter Months!

Not a day goes by that I don’t thank my lucky stars that my two children were born healthy and full-term. If nothing else in this world, their health is everything my positive parenting values dictate as most important. I have a few friends who have experienced the horrors of preterm delivery, and the stress and agony those mothers endured in the first fragile weeks of life is something I wish no mother had to go through.

RSV in Babies

November 17th marks World Prematurity Day, a day dedicated to helping raise awareness about premature births and the potential risks associated with giving birth prior to 37 weeks. And, in conjunction with World Prematurity Day, we are collecting our voices in awareness for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) – a virus that is life-threatening for preterm babies, and serious for all babies under the age of two. RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, in fact, RSV disease causes up to 10 times as many infant deaths each year as the flu. Like the common cold, RSV is most prevalent during the winter months. In addition to prematurity, common risk factors include low birth weight, certain lung or heart diseases, a family history of asthma and frequent contact with other children.

Kids catch viruses. As parents, we can’t always help that. But when it comes to a baby’s health, its best to be educated on the risks and warning signs. Prevention is key with RSV. The virus is extremely contagious and can be easily spread through touching, sneezing, and coughing.  There is no treatment for RSV and it is important that parents take preventive steps to protect their children during cold and flu seasons. Especially if you are a parent of a preemie! Here are some helpful tips.

• 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 are or have been sick
• Never let anyone smoke near your baby
• Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

To find out more about warning signs and risks of RSV to babies under the age of two, I encourage you to visit the RSV Protection site. To learn more about World Prematurity Day, please visit Preemie Voice: a site for Premature Infants.

Hug your healthy babies tight, and keep them healthy this winter, knowing that not all Mothers are as fortunate.