RSV/Preemie Awareness Blog Tour from MedImmune

I'm a mom of twin preemies. They were born at 34 weeks and weighted in at 2# 5oz and 4# 3oz. Their birth was a scary time because they were so tiny. Lung development and potential infections were a concern. At the time, I didn't know much about RSV but knew that preemies were at a high risk for the virus. This is so because they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection and are at an increased risk for developing an RSV-related infection, often requiring medical attention or hospitalization.

Since then, I have learned that nearly every baby by age two gets RSV. Please speak with your pediatrician to find out if your baby is at high risk for developing severe RSV disease, and how you can prevent against RSV this winter. Did you know that November 17th was RSV prevention and Preemie Awareness Day? Click the link to learn more information. Don't let this season sneak up on you and not be prepared. Read below for more information:

RSV Quick Facts:
 RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.

RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America. 

Certain regions have longer RSV seasons than others, with the season beginning as early as July (e.g., Florida) or ending in April.

Despite its prevalence, one-third of mothers have never heard of RSV.

Prevention is Key:
 
There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:

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

Be Aware of Symptoms:
 
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:
·    Persistent coughing or wheezing
·    Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
·    Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails
·    High fever
·    Extreme fatigue
·    Difficulty feeding



I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.