Itty Bitty Baby Tips
dealing with RSV, Germs, Respigam and Isolation

RSV, Germs, Respigam, Infection... if you are the parent of a preemie, the mention of these words can strike fear into your heart at the start of cold and flu season. How will my baby fight off infection? Can they fight off infection? What can I do to help? Will I recognize when a cold worsens? These are common questions in a parents’ mind.

Most NICU’s explain to parents about the compromised immune system of preemies and their greater susceptibility to infections, especially respiratory infections. But most parents do not know what measures they should take to protect these precious babies. While many parents comprehend the dangers that fall and winter pose towards their premature babies’ health, many parents are still asking "what is RSV?", "what is Respigam?", "how careful must I be?", "how do I keep the germs away?", "how will I live in isolation?"

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and Germ Prevention

1. What is it?

• RSV is a common, but highly contagious virus in adults and children. Approximately 80% of all children contract RSV by the age of 2, but most children do NOT exhibit complications from it. The virus affects people differently depending on age and health complications.

• RSV symptoms can be like a cold at first and can include: Fever, runny nose, other cold like symptoms./p>

• When symptoms worsen they can include:wheezing (a whistling sound), coughing, breathing difficulty, and rapid breathing.

SYMPTOMS IN HIGH RISK BABIES CAN WORSEN VERY QUICKLY AND CAN BE LIFE THREATENING.

2. How serious is RSV?

• RSV can be potentially severe for preterm infants and those with respiratory disease such as BPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) or cardiac disease. 1% of all babies born each year will be hospitalized from RSV. Less than 1% of the hospitalized babies will die from complications due to RSV. Most deaths are associated with children with pre-existing immune deficiency, congential heart disease, and chronic pulmonary disease (mainly BPD). During a given RSV season, the Centers for Disease Control estimate roughly 91,000 babies will be hospitalized with RSV and 4,500 will die from it. RSV can cause health problems (like asthma) which can last a lifetime. No infant or child is exempt from the risk of RSV.