{I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for MedImmune. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.}
A little RSV Awareness to kick off the cold winter season… #MC, #RSVAwareness #PreemieProtection
Before I had kids, I didn’t get a flu shot. I didn’t get regular health checkups. I lived in the world of “I am indefensible.”
That changed after I had my babies. I worry about everything. I worry for my kids. I worry that I won’t always be healthy enough to take care of my kids.
Before, when I’d hear of childhood illnesses or rare diseases they were something that I didn’t have to concern myself with. But not anymore. In just this year, my oldest son has had the flu, strep throat and pneumonia. My middle child was rushed to urgent care because he was having trouble breathing. I had a rare pregnancy complication that resulted in a difficult surgery.
Now, it seems everything is a threat. I can’t hide under a rock and hope for the best. As a mom, I have to arm myself with information so that I can make the right decisions for myself and my family.
This time of year, it’s important to know about RSV, especially if you have a child under the age of 2 or had a premature baby. If your baby falls into both of those categories, pay particular attention. Premature babies are twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital for RSV symptoms than full-term babies.
For those of you unfamiliar with RSV, it’s a common seasonal virus, and although most children get it and experience moderate cold-like symptoms, it’s actually the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States. Nearly 125,000 children are hospitalized and sadly 200 infants die each year from RSV.
As a parent, what should you be on the lookout for? RSV symptoms include: Persistent coughing or wheezing, bluish color around the mouth or fingernails, rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths and fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F [rectal] in infants under 3 months of age).
Because RSV is a virus, prevention is key as there is no “cure.” And the key to prevention is nothing new. Wash your hands. Keep bedding clean. Avoid public places with young infants during the colder months. Sanitize toys often. And, never let anyone smoke around your baby.
With an infant cuddled beside me in his rocker fast asleep as I write this post, you can bet I’m going to be on high alert for any RSV symptoms, and with two older brothers I’ll have to make sure I put in extra effort to keep germs at bay this season. And in the spirit of coming together as a community – have you had any first-hand experience with RSV? We’d love to have you share below.
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