RSV Awareness day is coming! #RSVAwareness #MC #SP

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.

Tis the season for the cold and flu season, so that means we need to be taking precautions to protect our babies, toddlers and especially premature babies. With World Prematurity Day approaching on November 17th, we all should  take extra precautions to frequently wash and sanitize our hands and avoid large crowds in efforts to help protect our littlest ones. 

Did you know that premature babies are especially vulnerable to catch germs and other illnesses.   Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), RSV, a common and contagious seasonal virus, occurs annually in epidemics throughout the fall and spring seasons. In healthy, full term babies, RSV can cause mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. However, for infants born at or before 37 weeks, RSV proves a great risk due to their undeveloped lungs and immature immune systems. While contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, RSV poses a serious threat to premature babies. Simple measures, such as reminding friends to use hand sanitizer or to keep their distance when feeling under the weather, help to keep our little ones RSV-free during this high risk season.

Learn the Symptoms 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]

When I was pregnant with my my son, there was a variety of medical concerns, so I went to see many doctors.  Once he was born the appointments didn't stop there.   So of course I was concerned about this health and keeping him healthy! Make sure to avoid crowds during the RSV season, keep toys, clothes, sheets, blankets clean and make sure you are washing your hands properly and that those around your baby do the same.   I am glad to say I have a very happy and healthy 6 year old son now, but I am still diligent to keep him healthy!

Speak to your child’s pediatrician to determine if your baby is at high risk for RSV disease, and if so, what additional steps may be recommended. For more information about RSV and prevention, visit www.RSVprotection.com.