RSV, Cold, and Flu season is here, it begins around October and goes through May.  Flu shot vaccine helps prevent spreading of the flu virus.  There are many reasons why people you should go out and get the flu shot, but if you have a special needs child getting a flu shot is critical to their health.  Max received his flu shot once they became available, and we all (my family) plan to receive one for Max’s health.  Please go out and get your flu shot to prevent the flu illness.

Respiratory Syncytical Virus (RSV) is a common cold in most, but in premature babies it can be fatal if not treated properly.

According to the CDC, below are the causes of RSV.

RSV can cause upper respiratory infections (such as colds) and lower respiratory tract infections (such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia). In children younger than 1 year of age, RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.

Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday. When infants and children are exposed to RSV for the first time,

• 25 to 40 out of 100 of them have signs or symptoms of bronchiolitis or pneumonia, and
• 5 to 20 out of 1,000 will require hospitalization. Most children hospitalized for RSV infection are younger than 6 months of age.

Infants and children infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days of infection. Most will recover in 1 to 2 weeks. However, even after recovery, very young infants and children with weakened immune systems can continue to spread the virus for 1 to 3 weeks.

People of any age can get another RSV infection, but infections later in life are generally less severe. Premature infants, children younger than 2 years of age with congenital heart or chronic lung disease, and children with compromised (weakened) immune systems due to a medical condition or medical treatment are at highest risk for severe disease. Adults with compromised immune systems and those 65 and older are also at increased risk of severe disease.

In the United States and other areas with similar climates, RSV infections generally occur during fall, winter, and spring. The timing and severity of RSV circulation in a given community can vary from year to year.

Max came down with the RSV virus last April as we transitioned from Winter to Spring.  He was given many breathing treatments during his hospital stay and screened for all respiratory viruses including pneumonia.  He was sent home with a Nebulizer and twice daily breathing treatments until the virus went away on its own.  Currently there is not a vaccine for RSV like the flu, and must be treated closely when found.  Max is staying home with daddy during this RSV/Flu season to prevent the spread of germs and any colds.

Below are 3 Ways according to the CDC to Prepare for RSV and Flu Season.

1. Wash you hands thoroughly often and use hand sanitizer often.
2. Stay away from Sick People.  Stay in the house if you are sick.
3. Cover your mouth/face when coughing/sneezing and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.

Keep the Faith!

~Erica