...and no, I don't mean the holiday season. It's RSV season! And it's not the best season for preemies. Generally, healthy children can fight off this disease easily, but because premature babies have under developed lungs, being infect by RSV is much more serious.
RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a major cause or respiratory illness in young children. RSV causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages. RSV infections can lead to more serious illnesses in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart or immune system. RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through sneezing and coughing. RSV can easily be spread through schools and day care centers (which is why doctors recommend that preemies do not go to day care centers until they have gotten bigger and stronger to fight off this infection).
Antibiotics aren't used because RSV is a virus and antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. Medication may sometimes be given to help open airways. In an infant, however, an RSV infection can be more serious and may require hospitalization so that the baby can be watched closely, receive fluids, and, if necessary, be treated for breathing problems.
To everyone with an infant in the family - get your flu shot, cover your mouth when you sneeze, and wash your hands. Stay healthy this season!
No comments:
Post a Comment