RSV

Nate got his first RSV shot yesterday. It was way worse than any vaccine he's had so far. Poor little bug is not feeling well at all :( The doctor gave us a bunch of information about RSV and reiterated how careful we have to be with him. It's hard because he looks and acts so healthy that it's easy to forget that his little lungs are still very fragile. We thought maybe he was doing well enough to be a little less strict about visitors and outings but it doesn't look like that's going to happen :( I just have to keep reminding myself that no matter how hard it is to always be home, it's better than being in the hospital.

I wanted to share this sample letter that they gave us. It is meant to send out to friends and family of preemies. Hopefully it helps people understand how serious we have to be about this.

Dear friends and family,

We’re writing regarding a very important matter: RSV. For those of you who plan to visit us over the next few months, and even if you are not, please take a few minutes to read this letter.

We recently discussed RSV with our baby's pediatrician. If you are not aware of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, you are among the majority. Most people have not heard of RSV, even though nearly every child has had the virus by age two. For full-term babies, RSV typically is not any worse than a common cold, but for preemies, the virus can be quite different. Babies born earlier than 36 weeks are at the highest risk for serious complications like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and other sometimes fatal complications. Our baby was born premature, was a multiple, has chronic lung disease, and had low birth weight; these are among the highest risk factors for contracting RSV and developing serious complications. This website offers a great visual comparison of a preemie’s lungs compared to the lungs of a full term baby:
www.PreemieCare.org/LungsTrees03-4.pdf

Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Thus, we must be vigilant about keeping our child safe during RSV season (October through April). The virus is spread through physical contact, in the air via a cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected object. The virus can live as long as six hours on hands and up to twelve hours on objects, and it spreads very easily, especially from child to child. Studies have also shown that infants pose an even higher risk of spreading RSV to others.

You may ask, “Can’t they fight it off and build up their immune system? Children need to get sick, right?” The simple answer is NO. Since our baby was pre-term, he did not acquire the necessary immunities to fight off infection. If he contracts RSV, he could be hospitalized and develop serious complications.

We’ll be asking our visitors to follow a few guidelines to help prevent our baby from contracting RSV or any other illness.

We ask that all visitors do the following:

1. When you arrive, please wash your hands and use hand- sanitizer as needed before touching the baby.

2. Please, if it is possible, get a flu shot.

3. Please refrain from coming over if you are currently sick and have not been symptom-free for at least 5 days, if you live with someone who is sick, or have been in close contact with someone who is sick.

4. If you smoke, we ask that you change your clothing and refrain from smoking prior to visiting, as a preemie’s lungs are very sensitive to smoke. Most RSV sites recommend against passive smoke exposure.

5.If you are parents to a baby or toddler, please refrain from bringing them to our house during RSV season.

Unfortunately we will not be attending many events during RSV season. Our goal is to make it through this and the next RSV seasons without contracting RSV or any other serious illness. His lungs are still very fragile until he is 2-years-old.

Please understand that this letter is not meant to offend anyone, just simply to provide an explanation. We hope you understand, and we appreciate your help keeping our baby safe.