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.
RSV is absolutely NO FUN to deal with as a parent, and it leaves children absolutely miserable. My now 2 year old contracted RSV when he was under a year old. He was sluggish, having a hard time breathing, and coughing like crazy. It scared me enough to take him into the doctor’s office for a diagnosis.
They tested for several things that were going around at the time (the flu and strep), and it was determined that it was, in fact, RSV. He was prescribed some breathing treatments several times a day for the next week to help with his labored breathing, but besides that, there wasn’t a lot we could do to ease his symptoms.
What is RSV?
RSV is a seasonal virus that is so common that virtually all children will contract by the age of two. In full-term babies and slightly older children, it usually causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. It is most prevalent from November through March each year.
The scary part? RSV Disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies under a year old. There are 200 infant deaths and around 125,000 hospitalizations related to RSV. Sadly, 1/3 of mothers have never even heard of the RSV virus! That’s why I wanted to share this important information with you, as well as these important RSV prevention tips.
6 Ways to Prevent RSV
RSV disease prevention is important and doesn’t have to be difficult. It is highly contagious and can be spread through touching, coughing, and sneezing. RSV can live on surfaces and skin for hours.
Here are 6 ways to prevent RSV disease.
- Parents, wash YOUR hands, as well as the hands of your children. Not only that, but ask others to do the same.
As you know, the best way to prevent the spread of germs is to eliminate them from your hands! This is one simple and effective way to halt the spread of RSV. - Keep clothes, toys, sheets, and blankets clean.
Germs can live on these surfaces, too. Kill them by frequently cleaning and washing commonly used items. - Avoid young children and crowds as much as possible during RSV season.
This doesn’t mean that you have to cancel playdates or events completely, but do your best to minimize the risk of exposure during RSV season. Does your little one really need to go to the outdoor ballgame? Do you really have to go to 5 playdates this week? - Never let anyone smoke around your baby.
Not only does this expose him to harmful second hand smoke, but it can cause all sorts of respiratory complications and problems. - Stay away from people who are sick or have recently been sick.
This sounds like a no-brainer, but remember this tip when you’re thinking about which holiday functions you’ll be attending this fall and winter. A lot of times, family members think they are exempt from simple common courtesies. Be mindful and help protect your little one. - Know the signs and symptoms of RSV.
They are:
-Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
-Persistent coughing or wheezing
-Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
-Fever (Note: This is especially alarming in infants under 3 months of age if it is above 100.4 degrees F when taken rectally.)
Preemies and RSV
Babies that were born prematurely are twice as likely to develop severe RSV disease and get admitted to the hospital for their symptoms. With this increased risk, it is important to be diligent with prevention and to quickly identify when your child is exhibiting symptoms so that proper care can be administered. Early, accurate diagnosis is important, so know the ways to distinguish RSV from a common cold or the flu.
Today, November 17th, is World Prematurity Day. It is important that moms know the facts so they can protect their babies from RSV.
Know the Facts About RSV
Learn More About RSV
For more information, visit RSVProtection.com. On the website, you can find all sorts of great information, including:
- specific information about RSV season in your area
- stories from other families and their experiences with RSV
- tips for talking with your pediatrician about your child’s risk factors
- and a lot more information about how RSV disease works.
Has your child ever had RSV?
Which tips will you be using this season to keep your little one safe and healthy?
Emilie says
My oldest son had RSV when he was only six months old. It was so scary and very hard. Thank you so much for trying to spread awareness and sharing these tips!
Emilie recently posted…COVERGIRL & Walmart Partner to Turn “Can’t” into “Can” + GIVEAWAY #GirlsCan
Wendy Kaufman says
Such good info. RSV is so scary! We’ve been lucky to avoid it, but many of my friends’ little ones have been so sick. Avoiding it, if possible, is so important!
Jamie says
Two of my three little ones had RSV when they were babies. I’ll never forget my daughter having to have the deep suctioning done in the ER. My husband made me leave the room because I could hardly take it. Thankfully, my littles were never hospitalized, so I know it could have been worse. We’re constantly washing hands during this time of the year filled with so much sickness.
Jamie recently posted…DIY Pallet Wood Christmas Tree