Awareness. Babies. Contagious.
Those are the ABC's of RSV. If you haven't heard of RSV, it is a Respiratory Syncytial Virus that is common and affects most babies by the age of 2, with Hispanics having an increased risk of that virus developing into a severe RSV disease. Ay Dios Mio!!!
Thankfully, my twin babies did not ever contract the virus, but we had family members that have. We know it can be a very rough time for families when infants are sick, and that's why I'd like to share this info with you. Because, if you are a reader of this blog, you've probably got a little one around or in your extended family. And, it never hurts to be aware.
Awareness
The virus is common mostly during November thru March. In fact, just this week, a coworker of mine was having her infant daughter tested for RSV and was out of work for a couple of days.Here are some signs you can look out for:
Babies
My twin babies were not technically preemies, but many twin sets are born before 37 weeks and are. Preemies are especially at risk because of their underdeveloped lungs and immature immune systems.When a baby is sick, it affects the whole family. Missed work, sleepless nights, trips to the doctor's office or ER...you get the picture. Prevention and awareness are always key to help keep babies healthy.
Contagious
This virus can live on surfaces and skin for hours and is mostly transferred by touching, coughing and sneezing. Once it's contracted, there is no medicine or treatment for it, so prevention is so important. Especially during the times when RSV is at it's highest (November-March), it's best to avoid big crowds or sick people with your babies, wash hands and keep baby toys, blankets and bedding clean.
I know in my house, I always prompt everyone to wash hands when we get home from school and work and before we eat.
Here are more tips and information to help prevent and understand RSV:
Also, for those in San Antonio, one of my best resources as a concerned mother has been Call a Nurse - (210) 22-NURSE, a service from the Methodist Children's Hospital of South Texas.
I hope you've walked away from this feeling a little more empowered to prevent your precious babies from getting RSV or any sickness this year. Please check out RSVProtection.com for more info and join the conversation on Twitter by searching for #ABCsofRSV.