I am so glad I was picked again for this campaign to raise awareness for Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV. RSV is a is a common seasonal virus, contracted by nearly all children by the age of two. While RSV causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, it can be fatal to preemies. Their little undeveloped lungs and immune systems cannot handle the RSV symptoms. Those symptoms include: persistent coughing or wheezing, rapid breaths, difficulty breathing, fever and bluish color around the mouth or fingernails.
November 17th is World Prematurity Day and this is a good time to remind people of the this insidious virus. The virus is worse around November to March. Each year worldwide, 13 million babies are born prematurely and more than one million preemies have died just this year from the serious health challenges they face.
One of the problems is that many parents do not have the information about the risks that premature births is a leading cause of neonatal deaths. A recent survey found that 75% of parents don’t know the definition of prematurity. Prematurity is defined as a birth at or before 37 weeks. I did not know that either. So, it it imperative to get this message out and educate parents and would-be parents of the dangers of RSV. Below is an info graphic that breaks down all the information you need to know about RSV.
It is imperative to learn about the symptoms and facts about RSV because RSV is very contagious. Once RSV is contracted there is no treatment. So it is so important for parents to know about RSV and how to prevent it. Prevention is the key. Taking your baby to a pediatrician and asking questions is critical for parents. RSV can also be prevented by taking common sense steps like washing your hands, avoid putting your baby into situations where germs can spread, washing your hands and make sure others do, washing toys and blankets and keeping anyone who is sick away from your baby. Practicing good hygiene is important to preventing germs.
These are things that should be done to avoid any illness and during RSV season it is so important to think about these things. The virus can live on the skin and surfaces for hours. It can be spread by touching, sneezing and coughing. It is super important for parents and siblings to be careful around the babies. The common sense precautions you would use to prevent a cold can be used to prevent RSV.
So this November 17th on World Prematurity Day remember these tips and information and pass it along to any parent you might know. It is all about trying to spread the word and making sure to educate people about the the potential risks associated with preterm births, so parents of preemies are prepared to help protect these vulnerable babies.
For more information about RSV and prevention, visit the RSV website. Please visit the page if you have a baby or know of someone who does. It might save a life.
I never realized that so many babies are born prematurely each year. This is definitely good information to get out there, so that parents know the symptoms of RSV and the important steps to avoid it. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteMy son was born 6 weeks premature and ended up getting RSV. We had people wear masks when they came to the house and wash their hands. Tried everything we knew of to keep him from getting sick, but he still ended up getting it. Happy and healthy nine years later, but it it so important to be careful with your little ones.
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