Friday, November 20, 2009


Prematurity Awareness Month Fact #20:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages, is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.

In adults, it may only produce symptoms of a common cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, mild headache, cough, fever, and a general feeling of being ill. But in premature babies and kids with diseases that affect the lungs, heart, or immune system, RSV infections can lead to other more serious illnesses.

RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets containing the virus when someone coughs or sneezes. It also can live on surfaces (such as countertops or doorknobs) and on hands and clothing, so can be easily spread when a person touches something contaminated.

Because RSV can be easily spread by touching infected people or surfaces, frequent hand washing is key in preventing its transmission. Try to wash your hands after having any contact with someone who has cold symptoms. And keep your school-age child with a cold away from younger siblings — particularly infants — until the symptoms pass.

RSV is something that still scares us. Even after fifteen months, RSV is frightening and awful and we want no part of it. At all. Thankfully Morgan Kate qualified for the synagis injections again this season. Thank you. Thank you. And thank you, thank you to insurance. MK's injections this year cost over $3000 each month. Each month. Wow. Whoah. Yikes. But the injections are working and we are healthy and we are praying that we all continue to stay that way.

2 comments:

The Leviners said...

So glad that she's continuing to remain healthy! Love you and Happy Thanksgiving!

The mom of 4 monkeys! said...

Yep, my full term baby got RSV at 2 weeks old and ended up in the hospital for a few days needing suctioning and oxygen, it was SCARY! RSV is scary!!! Unfortunately, often times RSV also leaves lasting damage on their little lungs too! Yikes is right.
Keep that little miracle of yours healthy :)