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

3. When is RSV season?

• Usually from late October until early April. But RSV can strike at any time of year.

4. How do you catch RSV?

• Very easily. RSV is spread by any physical contact - touching, kissing, shaking hands, etc - with an infected person. RSV can live on a countertop, handkerchief, or tissue for hours. A person can be exposed to RSV and pass it to others without knowing it. RSV can live for up to 24 hours on glass or plastic, up to two hours on porous material, such as clothing, and up to 30 minutes on skin. An infected person can also sneeze or cough and spew the germs into the air towards you and your baby.

5. How can you prevent RSV?

• Wash your hands A LOT!!!! Be sure to wash after touching your front doorknob, the mailbox, your keys, or money. Dry with papertowels instead of cloth towels. (germs can hang around on cloth towels.)

• Always wash before touching your baby ( if you have been out, been around others or touched anything outside of your home).

• Keep away from crowded places (day care centers, churches, crowded stores).

• Avoid close contact with other people, especially children.

• face="Times New Roman">When you have to take your baby to the doctor, request an early morning appointment, or one right after lunch. The waiting room will be emptiest then. Insist on being ushered to a treatment room immediately upon arrival (many doctors will agree with this practice.)

6.. How can friends, family and caregivers help prevent RSV in your baby?

• Explain the danger to them. Most people do not understand the severity of RSV in preemies. Share this page with them to help them understand the seriousness.

• Have them follow these rules:     

  1. wash hands before touching baby