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Are you aware of the signs and symptoms of RSV disease? Believe it or not RSV is a common seasonal virus and is contracted by almost all children by the time they are two years of age. Typically, it can cause mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in full term healthy babies. On another note, my nephew because of his heart got RSV after he was two years of age. I learned a lot from kids pediatrician when my nephew was flown to Texas Children’s Hospital due to RSV and other issues.
After my nephew had been flown to Texas Children’s Hospital, I was scared my daughter would get RSV since she had been in contact with him. Thankfully, she was over the age of two, and a healthy full-term baby and didn’t catch RSV from her cousin. However, I was scared, and my daughter’s pediatrician acted like it was no big deal, and I felt like he blew me off when I started asking question. Needless to say, I changed doctors, because I honestly didn’t trust what he was telling me. Turns out he was right, but by changing doctors I got all my questions answered, and from a pediatrician who understood I was scared, and knew wanted more information about RSV.
Looking back, I should have been more knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of RSV, as well as the facts. However, that doesn’t change that I wasn’t, and wanted to learn. We’re still with the same pediatrician who took the time to sit down, and help me understand RSV, signs, symptoms, and how to prevent it. He also explained to me why my daughter was less likely to get RSV over the age of two than my nephew. There’s nothing like a good doctor. I don’t blame anyone, but myself for not knowing more about RSV, and I am thankful I know what I know now because my husband and I are planning one more baby. I want to know as much as possible so I can keep them safe.
Today is World Prematurity Day – November 17, 2014! We’re going to talk about RSV disease, and I’m hoping you’ll learn something you didn’t know from this post. Most of you know my son has cerebral palsy, and was born premature. My nephew has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and we have been in the middle of RSV.
About RSV
The leading cause of hospitalization for babies during the first five years of life here in the US is RSV, with about 125,000 hospitalizations occur with about 200 infants deaths every year. Tell me as a parent that isn’t scary! Did you know that RSV occurs in epidemics yearly? From November to March, but it can vary depending upon geography from year to year.
RSV is serious, and it’s critical we’re educated! Awareness is key when it comes to preventing RSV! Knowledge is power, and the more we know about the disease, the better we can protect our children. RSV should be talked about all year, not just during RSV season when it’s too late for some parents. That’s who I learned about RSV and how to protect my little one. It wasn’t until after my nephew had RSV I really learned about the signs and symptoms of RSV, and how to prevent it.
Had my nephew not been airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital when he was younger I wouldn’t know as much as I know about RSV. Which is scary, and the reason I hope this posts can reach moms who ar not aware of RSV symptoms!
Signs and Symptoms of RSV Disease for Parents
As parents, it is important you know, and are aware of the symptoms of RSV Disease. If you notice your child doing any of the following, it’s critical to contact your pediatrician immediately.
- Around the mouth or fingernails is a bluish color.
- Coughing or wheezing which is persistent.
- Gasping for air, breathing rapidly, or having a hard time breathing.
- Fever, especially if the fever is over 100.4°F
Are Preemies at Higher Risk for RSV
Yes, prematurely born babies are at an increased risk for severe RSV disease. They’re twice as likely as a baby who was full-term to get RSV related symptoms and end u
RSV is extremely contagious, which is why I was freaking out when my nephew had it. I knew it was contagious, and my daughter had been around Corbin. Thankfully, she was a full-term healthy baby girl, and that I stopped to ask questions because I am better armed for our next child. RSV is scary, but thankfully there are things we can do to protect our children from RSV.
RSV can be spread by sneezing, coughing and touching. It can also live on surfaces and the skin for hours, and as many of you may know there is no treatment for RSV. Yes, making it even scarier for us. Prevention is key when it comes to RSV, so be sure you know how to help reduce the spread of RSV. Here are ways we can help reduce the spread of RSV:
- Clean – Be sure to keep clothing, sheets, blankets and toys clean!
- Hands – As always, start young! Teach your little one about proper hand washing and don’t forget to wash your hands too.
- Crowds – It’s not fun, but stay away from crowds, and other young children during the season RSV is most active – November until march.
- Smoking – Don’t allow anyone to smoke around your baby! NO!!!
- Sick – Avoid anyone who is sick, recently been sick, or you think is ill. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Experiencing RSV is a life-changing event. It opened my eyes to how important it is I do my homework, because I’m responsible for making sure my baby is safe – regardless of their age. My experience with RSV, spending time with nephew while he had RSV, and my brother and sister-n-law helped me understand that awareness is the key to preventing things like RSV disease.
If you even for one moment think you’re little guy or gal as RSV, get them checked. It’s always better to be safe, and please do your homework about RSV and any other thing that can cause your baby problems. It’s our jobs as parents to protect our children, and the best way to protect them is knowledge!
Be sure to learn more about RSV, tips about talking to your pediatrician, your child’s risk factors, RSV season where you live, and read real life experiences by visiting RSVprotection.com. The one way we can protect our children is by knowing what’s out there, signs and symptoms, ways to protect our children, and how to prevent the disease from spreading.
