Parents have a lot on their plates. As a parent of a preemie, you may have even more to deal with and issues to be concerned about. Take a deep breath and relax. Taking care of a preemie is a lot of work, but rest assured you’re doing great. One common concern with preemies is developing Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV.
What is RSV?
RSV is a common seasonal virus similar to the flu. The virus begins with cold-like symptoms and can spread to the lungs. RSV is easily spread. It typically affects infants and the elderly. For preemies, RSV can be very serious as their lungs and respiratory system were not fully developed before their birth.
Symptoms of RSV
For the health and safety of your little one, it’s important to know the common signs and symptoms of RSV. Here are some common symptoms.
- Coughing, Sneezing, or Wheezing
- Stuffy or Runny Nose
- Fast Breathing or Gasping for Breath
- Bluish Color Around the Mouth or Fingernails
- Fever
- Lower Appetite
- Mild Sore Throat
Tips to Prevent RSV
While RSV is concerning, there are steps you can take to help prevent the spread of the virus. Here are some tips to protect your preemie and prevent RSV from spreading.
- Wash Your Hands Religiously
- Keep Your Hands Off of Your Face
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
- Limit the Number of Visitors Your Baby Has
- Limit Exposure to Other Children
- Have Your Preemie Get a Synagis Shot
These steps need to be followed diligently during peak RSV season. It can be difficult to say how long RSV season will last, as it depends on where you live and how many people are infected with the virus in the area. However, a good rule of thumb to follow is that the season starts around November or December and ends somewhere between March or April. It’s critical for your preemie that you are taking proper precautions during the winter months to prevent the contraction of RSV and other illnesses. This time of year can be nerve racking for parents of young children and preemies, but take a deep breath. We know you’re a great parent that is always putting your child’s health and safety first. Whatever life throws at you and your little one, you can handle it like a champ.
