I am posting about a very important matter: RSV. For those of you who plan to visit us over the next few months, and even if you are not, please take a few minutes to read this.
I want to start by saying that we are continue to face one of the biggest challenge of our lives, and we’re so blessed to be surrounded by so many family members and friends who have shown us so much love and support.
We’d also like to share an important topic that we recently discussed with Baby Kevin’s pediatrician. If you are not aware of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, you are among the majority. I had not heard of RSV until the NICU. Most people have not heard of RSV, even though nearly every child has had the virus by age two. For full-term babies, RSV typically is not any worse than a common cold, but for preemies, the virus can be extremely different. Babies born earlier than 36 weeks are at the highest risk for serious complications like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and other sometimes fatal complications. RSV for a preemie means another trip back to the hospital.
Baby Kevin falls into a high risk category for contracting RSV and developing serious complications. This website offers a great visual comparison of a preemie’s lungs compared to the lungs of a full-term baby: http://www.preemiecare.org/LungsTrees03-4.pdf
Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Thus, we must be vigilant about keeping our children safe during RSV season (October through March). The virus is spread through physical contact, in the air via a cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected object. The virus can live as long as six hours on hands and up to twelve hours on objects, and it spreads very easily, especially from child to child. Studies have also shown that infants pose an even higher risk of spreading RSV to others.
You may ask, “Can’t they fight it off and build up their immune system? Kids need to get sick, right?” The simple answer is NO. Since Baby Kevin was pre-term, he did not acquire the necessary immunities to fight off infection. If he contracts RSV, he could be hospitalized and develop serious complications. He will require RSV shots once a month (for 5 months) starting in October, but even with the shot he will still be at risk.
We’ll be asking our visitors to follow a few guidelines to help prevent Baby Kevin from contracting RSV or any other illness.
We ask that all visitors do the following:
1. When you arrive, please wash your hands and use hand-sanitizer as needed before touching or holding Baby Kevin.
2. Please, if it is possible, get a flu shot.
3. Please refrain from coming over if you are currently sick and have not been symptom-free for at least 5 days, if you live with someone who is sick, or have been in close contact with someone who is sick.
4. If you smoke, we ask that you change your clothing and refrain from smoking prior to visiting, as a preemie’s lungs are very sensitive to smoke. Most RSV sites recommend against passive smoke exposure.
5. If you are parents to a baby or toddler who are in daycare, please refrain from bringing them to our house during RSV season.
Unfortunately we will not be attending many events during RSV season. Our goal is to make it through this RSV season without the Baby Kevin contracting RSV or any other serious illness. His lungs are still very fragile and will be until they are 2-years-old.
Please understand that this post is not meant to offend anyone, just simply to provide an explanation. Also to provide some education about RSV as it’s also new to our family. We hope you understand, and we appreciate your help keeping our babies safe.
I am so happy that Baby Kevin is thriving and we want to do our best to provide a safe environment. I look forward to exploring the world with Baby Kevin but during RSV we will have to put it on hold.
Here are several resources with additional information about RSV below.
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv_resourceshtm.htm
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsvfaq.htm
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv2.htm
http://www.mostonline.org/preemieBB/viewforum.php?f=82
Again thank you so much for you love, support and prayers.
Thank you so much for posting this information. I never heard of RVS and I will definitely pass this along to other people who have preemies and full term babies. It's very important to keep all of our babies safe and healthy.
ReplyDeleteAlicia, I really envy and admire you! Honestly, you have absolutely no need to question yourself because, beside Auntie Betty, I CANNOT name another Mom who is as unselfish, committed, devoted and loves sacrificing for her child. Yes, other mothers are good mothers but you are exceptional. When i read all your postings, i am amazed at how you MAKE time and I can feel your joy in doing every-Kevin-thing. Thanks for the info. on RVS since I had never heard of it. Continue to do what is necessary to protect your son, for whom you are fully responsible. Better for someone to become offended and stay away than come and create an unnecessary problem (God forbid!).Thank you for the update.I am following up and enjoying him from a distance. Love you!
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