I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for MedImmune. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.
Do you know what the leading cause of hospitalization is for babies their first year of life. Before this campaign, I did not. I couldn’t have been able to tell you. It is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Have you heard of RSV? It is a seasonal virus that most children get before they turn two years of age. In healthy kids, like mine, RSV presents itself as a common cold. But each year, usually during November to March, RSV is the number one cause of baby hospitalizations. In the US there are approximately 125,000 hospitalization and unfortunately up to 200 babies die each year from RSV.
Can you believe that 1/3 of mothers have not heard of RSV?
Our tribal health clinic
I actually had heard of RSV when my Nathanael was a small baby. In fact, Native American babies are more at risk for getting RSV and have higher rates of hospitalization than the general public. So, in our small tribal clinic we visit, I have read about RSV and the importance of being informed.
Thankfully, my children didn’t catch RSV, that I am aware of. Maybe, they did and I thought it was simple cold. Nonetheless, I have been blessed with healthy children. But that is not the case for all mothers. Did you know that premature babies are also at a higher risk of developing RSV?
[Tweet “Premies have increased risk for developing severe RSV. Get the facts #PreemieProtection #mc”]
World Prematurity Day is November 17th. This really is the time to get informed about RSV. As a Native American, I want my own community members to understand this disease and learn how to prevent it. Thankfully, we do have a clinic here on our reservation that we can visit when our children are showing signs of illness. Early diagnosis really is important with RSV – so please share this article with your family and friends.
Symptoms of Severe RSV
You are most likely wondering what the symptoms of severe RSV are. These are the things you should watch your baby for, and bring them in to your health provider if you notice these symptoms:
- persistent coughing and/or wheezing
- bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
- rapid, difficult, gasping breaths
- fever over 100.4
RSV Protection
Unfortunately, RSV is very contagious. You need to do your best to protect your baby from contracting this disease. RSV is spread through touching, sneezing and coughing. Since there is no treatment, prevention is vital. Here are four ways to minimize the spread of RSV:
- Wash Hands frequently
- Keep your belongings clean (toys, clothes, blankets, sheets)
- DO NOT let anyone smoke around your baby
- Stay away from people who are sick
You can learn so much more by visiting www.RSVprotection.com, including data about RSV in your area, tips to talk with your health provider, and even read real family experiences with RSV.
[Tweet “Early diagnosis is important! Get the facts! #RSVawareness #MC”]
Here’s a great infographic that you can share online with your family and friends. Get the word out about RSV — it is very important. Let’s keep our babies safer this year!
I’ve been hearing about it a bit in the last couple of weeks. I didn’t know it was so common… that makes it even more important to get the word out. My husband is Native American, so you think someone would have mentioned it. Thankfully we were lucky, I guess!!
I didn’t know your hubby was Native American, Rosey. That’s awesome. Yes, it is important to get the word out. Most people don’t know about this serious disease. I’ve worked on this campaign for three years now, and just feel that it’s so important, even if it only helps one mom.
This time of year is so scary for babies. RSV was always a concern when my kids were infants. Thanks for getting the word out there!
That’s true, Amanda. Which is why as adults we need to be educated and help mothers with babies understand this.
My friends son had RSV and it was terrifying. My heart broke for her.
My cousin’s son had it too. Very scary indeed!
My daughter has RSV when she was 1. It was so scary.
I bet it was. Before this campaign, I didn’t know it was so prevalent. I am thankful my kids didn’t get it. But that’s why I like working on this campaign each year. It is important for mothers to understand how serious this is.
This is awesome information for parents of lil ones indeed. I had a nephew that was hospitalized because of this. Thanks for sharing,
Thank you Rebecca. This is my third time sharing about this campaign. I just think it is so important. A lot of people have no idea what RSV is and how serious it is for babies.