I am so ready for Summer… even Spring I would be happy with right now. The dreary, cold days of Winter here in east Tennessee do more than just keep us inside, they keep us sick. It seems like every time I've turned around this season, someone has been sick – the girls, my parents, Rob or me…
We had quite the scare with Moreaya a few weeks ago also. She had picked up a cold-like virus from her sister {who got it from who knows where} and it ended up developing into pneumonia. Her pediatrician assured me that her type of pneumonia wasn't as bad as people often assume, but I was still worried. She was already exhibiting signs of wheezing and coughing, but he informed me to watch for difficulty of breathing – rapid breaths like she couldn't catch her breath. He told me that we really wanted to watch out for RSV.
I wrote a post about the links of RSV and Prematurity back in November and that's immediately what my mind went to when he was talking to me. That post was one of the only real times that I had understood anything about RSV. I had heard of it when working in child care, but hadn't experienced the virus firsthand.
RSV is extremely contagious, as it can live on doorknobs, toys, highchairs – anything – for a few hours and is often spread by touching, hugging, and kissing. This is why if a child in a daycare setting is found to have RSV they shouldn't return until symptom free.
To prevent as much contamination as possible {which is HARD to do with two active little toddlers running around} when we're in public, I always try to use Moreaya's High Chair and Grocery Cart Seat Cover. I also carry a travel pack of disinfecting Nursery Wipes to wipe down food tables and carts.
My best friend recently took in two foster children and just a few weeks ago, the youngest was diagnosed with RSV. They aren't sure where he picked up the virus, but he was a preemie. As the above RSV infographic states, Premature Babies are at a higher risk of contracting RSV and often times and more severe symptoms. He was super lucky as he had a very mild version, but it was still a worrisome experience for their family!
The best way to handle RSV? Learn about it. You can learn more on the RSVprotection.com site and arm yourself with the knowledge so you don't have to worry. Although seeing your child sick is always a scary thing, knowing the symptoms and signs to watch for can help comfort some of the worry. Knowing that the seasonal virus affects two-thirds of all infants by age one and almost 100% of babies by age two, because it's so contagious, made me realize that it's not an isolated virus and it can be spread easily.
So, for the coldness and sickness sake, we're ready to say goodbye to Winter and Hello Summer!
Have you ever had firsthand experience with RSV? Were you equipped with the knowledge of the virus beforehand?
I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #RSVProtection
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I haven’t experienced it with any of the three boys, but I can’t even begin to imagine how scary it would be! Thanks for reminding us to keep our babies safe.
I have never experienced it firsthand, but I know it is a horrible infection for the babies.
My little cousin had RSV, but I was a kid as well, so I don’t remember much except that she was in the hospital for a bit. I’m so lucky none of my kids had it!
Me too, Amber! Moreaya has some breathing issues when she gets sick, but luckily no RSV yet!
My nephew had RSV last year. It’s so scary! I hope we never have to deal with it. Hoping your little lady is feeling better. Thanks for the information post. Pinning this to spread the word!
Right now – they’re both HEALTHY! I hope it stays that way!
Thanks for sharing, Ruth!
I am so grateful I haven’t had to experience that with either of my kiddos. My friends baby was a month early, and he ended up back in the hospital with it a few weeks later, and he was born in the spring!
I don’t know much about RSV, but I have mommy friends who have children who’ve had it. They were really scared and worried so I definitely know it’s something to avoid. Thanks for the info!
I actually never heard of RSV until this year. It seems like it’s been a terrible year for illnesses – so the kiddos and I have been on lockdown a bit! With a newborn I don’t want to take any risks. Poor K has been a little bored since she doesn’t get to go as many places, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Agreed – it does seem like this year has been worse for sickness. I’m wondering if it’s the yo-yo weather we’ve had here. It’ll be like high 60s one week and then FREEZING the next!
Good luck with keeping the sickness out of your house with that new precious baby boy!