Thursday, September 18, 2008

Three Things You Should Know About RSV


If you know the parent of a preemie, it won't be long before you hear them talk about RSV. Here are just a few quick facts you should know about RSV:

  1. RSV stands for respiratory syncytial viral disease and it is very common. Most adults and young children have contracted it and its symptoms present like those of the common cold.
  2. Babies who are at highest risk of complications from RSV (like preemies, especially those that have been intubated in the past) are sometimes given a monthly shot of a medication called Synagis to try to diminish the chances of contracting RSV.
  3. "RSV season" varies from year to year, but most often runs from late September through April.
The best things you can do as the friend or family member of a young preemie are to wash your hands frequently and avoid visiting/touching the baby while you or your child is sick.
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2 comments:

  1. FishMamaSeptember 18, 2008 at 10:33 AM

    Thanks for posting this reminder. I hadn't thought about RSV with this baby. It always seemed more prevalent in CA than here in KS. But, now that we're going back, I need this reminder.

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  2. RyannSeptember 18, 2008 at 10:44 AM

    We are hoping and praying that Addyson qualifies for Synagis again this year. We've talked to the coordinator at the hospital, now it's just a waiting game. Last year we had to take her to the hospital each month for the shots, which kind of seems weird since if your baby is sick enough to get Synagis, it's probably not the best place for your baby to be... a doctors office or hospital full of sick germy people. If she does qualify for it this year, it will be her last year to qualify. We are keeping our fingers crossed! RSV for a preemie is very scary!

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