New Baby Etiquette to Prevent Spread of RSV

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Andrea Sept 2 2010 (31)

My precious baby girl was born 3 1/2 weeks early, still feels like yesterday when I received the news that it was time for a C Section. My husband and I rushed home to finish preparing what we could before delivery.

Nothing was set up, the bassinet, the swing, we were totally unprepared to bring home a new baby.

Little did I know that preparing for a new baby goes beyond just setting up their new room.

RSV Infographic

Preparing for a new baby that is premature or was born with complications brings a new level of preparedness.

RSV. Respiratory Syncytial Virus

RSV is one of the biggest threats to infants and being extremely common, almost 100% of children will contract RSV by their second birthday.

Premature babies are the most susceptible to RSV and because of their under developed lungs, symptoms can be more severe than a child who is older.

Serious RSV infections are the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.

Symptoms of RSV include persistent coughing, wheezing, rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths; blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails; high fever; extreme fatigue; and difficulty feeding.

Because RSV can result in a serious infection, parents of new babies need to be cautious about exposing infants to visitors. If the new parents aren’t ready for visitors, remember that their concerns are valid and don’t be offended.

Toddler Meeting Baby

Here are some great tips to keep in mind when a loved one has a new baby:

  • Call before you visit. New parents need time to set up a routine and bond. By giving them the time to do so before you visit, you are respecting the new family
  • Posting a visit if you feel that you may be getting sick, have recently been ill or exposed to illness.
  • Remember that parents know best. If you feel they are being overprotective, just consider that only they know what’s best for the health of their new baby
  • Offer to do something to ease their responsibilities as they spend time as a new family, such as cooking, laundry or even dishes.

If you will be scheduling a visit with a new baby:

  • Wash your hands frequently. Both when entering the home and prior to holding the new baby.
  • Leave toddlers at home, especially during the winter months. Young children, especially if they attend day care or preschool, often carry germs and viruses, like RSV, that are easily spread.

For more information about RSV please visit : www.rsvprotection.com

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

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