World Prematurity Day is November 17th : Learn the Risks Associated with Preterm Birth#RSVawareness #ad

This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and MedImmune, all opinions are 100% mine.

Were you aware that 13 million babies are born prematurely? More than one million preemies have died just this year from the serious health challenges they face. The current rate of prematurity in the United States is 12.2 percent—one of the highest  rates of preterm birth in the world. This is such a scary statistic, but it is so very important to know all about RSV disease.

 RSV disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States, with approximately 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 400 infant deaths each year!  RSV disease is responsible for one of every 13 pediatrician visits and one of every 38 trips to the ER in children under the age of five. There are RSV epidemics each year usually from November through March, though this can vary depending on where you live.

If you are not exactly sure of what RSV disease is here is the definition:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): is a common seasonal virus, contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, and typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full-term babies. Preterm infants, however, are born with undeveloped lungs and immature immune systems that put them at heightened risk for developing severe RSV disease, often requiring hospitalization. 

RSV infection is more likely to root in premature lungs where developing airways are narrowed and especially fragile. Preterm babies carry fewer virus-fighting antibodies—a precious gift from mom that all infants need while their own immune systems mature after birth. Premature babies that are born too soon are very likely to be transferred to a neonatal unit where they are given care by a specialist.  Depending on how premature the baby is, the baby’s organs may not be entirely developed so they may need help breathing and they will need their heart rate and temperature motored. Because their immune systems and lungs aren’t fully developed, preemies are more likely to develop infections and are more susceptible to respiratory problems.

What are the symptoms of Severe RSV Disease?  Does your child have a persistent coughing or wheezing? Do they have a bluish color around the mouth or fingernails? Having difficulty breathing, having rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths? And if your baby has a fever [especially if it is over 100.4°F (rectal) in infants under 3 months of age]. These are all red flags that should make you a bit concerned. If your child exhibits any of those symptoms please contact your child’s pediatrician immediately!

Make sure to check out this informative infographic:

 How Can I Help Protect My Baby From RSV?

RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Additionally, the virus can live on the skin and surfaces for hours. There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical.

To help minimize the spread of RSV disease, all parents should:

• Wash their hands and ask others to do the same

• Keep toys, clothes, blanket and sheets clean

• Avoid crowds and other young children during RSV season

• Never let anyone smoke around your baby

• Steer clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick

 November 17 is World Prematurity Day, and it is used to educate all parents about the potential risks associated with preterm births, so parents of preemies are prepared to help protect these vulnerable babies. To help stop RSV disease. Despite being so common, many parents aren’t aware of RSV; in fact, one-third of mothers have never heard of the virus! A recent survey found that 75 percent of parents don’t know the definition of prematurity (birth at or before 37 weeks gestation), and during prenatal care, most pregnant women don’t ask their healthcare provider about the risk of delivering prematurely and the potential consequences of preterm birth for their child.  This has to change, get the word out to all you know. Do you know someone who is pregnant, please send them this information… it can save a life!Be sure to send them to the RSV Detection site.

Speak to your child’s pediatrician to determine if your baby is at high risk for RSV disease, and if so, what additional steps may be recommended. Be sure to know the symptoms, and contact your child’s pediatrician if your child exhibits one or more of the following,  Severe coughing, wheezing or rapid gasping breaths,  Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails High fever and extreme fatigue. For more information about RSV and prevention, visit www.RSVprotection.com.

This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and MedImmune, all opinions are 100% mine.

  


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