Protecting Your Babies…

When I had my first child I wanted to run out and introduce him to the world, but I was so afraid he would get germs. I wanted to keep him in and protect him from others as long as I could. Heck, when I had all 5 of my children I was concerned about germs, they are something we all should be concerned about, especially with a newborn since young infants are very susceptible to infection in the early weeks of their lives, and contracting something as small as the common cold can present danger to them. Babies that are born early have an even greater risk of infection and illnesses because their lungs are underdeveloped and their immune systems are immature.

We know several people that shortly after bringing their sweet babies home from the hospital they had to return because their little one had contracted a very common virus called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). This virus is a concern because it is extremely common and spreads very easily. RSV can live on surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, toys, bedding and so forth for several hours and is often spread through touching, hugging and kissing (which we all tend to do with a new baby). Almost 100% (Yes, almost 100%) of children contract RSV by their 2nd birthday. While RSV can be very serious in an infant, in most older children it runs its course with much milder symptoms similar to the cold or flu, and many parents may not even know their child has the virus. But, in very young babies and those born prematurely, it can lead to a serious respiratory infection.

As parents we must remember to be cautious about exposing our infants to visitors. Since babies are super susceptible to germs physical contact can be risky. Be sure to have everyone wash their hands before they touch the baby and stay away if they have been sick recently.

Also, remember that you can help friends and family members with newborn babies in other ways such as helping with cooking or laundry, or even running a few errands for them.

Tips to remember when a loved one has a new baby:

• Call before you visit. New parents need time to set up a routine and bond. Be respectful and give them time to do so before you visit for the first time.
• Postpone a visit if you feel that you may be getting sick, have been ill recently or have been exposed to an illness. As much as you would love to see the new baby, always remember that babies don’t have the immunities that we have and a small cold or sickness can be much more serious for them.
• Remember that parents know best. If you feel they are being overprotective or overly cautious, just consider that only they know what’s best for the health of their new baby. They are just being loving and caring parents and want what is best for their baby (it really is a good thing, not a bad thing.)
• Offer to do something to ease their responsibilities as they spend time as a family, such as the things I mentioned earlier like running errands, doing laundry, cooking or cleaning. Sleep-deprived moms and dads will really appreciate your help!

 

If you do schedule a visit with a new baby:

• Wash your hands frequently—upon entering the home and especially prior to holding the baby. Parents, and the new baby, will appreciate it.
• Leave toddlers at home, especially during the winter months. Young children, especially if they attend day care or preschool, often carry germs and viruses, like RSV, that are easily spread.

 

A few facts about RSV that all parents, caregivers and loved ones should know:

• Almost every baby will contract RSV by age 2, but only 1/3 of moms say they’ve heard of the virus.
• Serious RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.
• RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
• There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take preventive steps to help protect their child (e.g., wash hands, toys, bedding frequently; avoid crowds and cigarette smoke).
• Certain babies are at an increased risk of developing serious RSV infection, so it’s important to speak with a pediatrician to determine if a baby may be at high risk for RSV, and discuss preventive measures.

• Symptoms of serious RSV infection include: persistent coughing or wheezing; rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths; blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails; high fever; extreme fatigue; and difficulty feeding. Parents should contact a medical professional immediately upon signs of these symptoms.

 

To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com.

  “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”