RSV Season - no need to test my son's immune system just yet

We just returned from a trip across Canada with my son. Traveling with a preemie, especially during RSV season is stressful and can be risky. Preemies are at an increased risk for complications from a serious, pediatric illness called Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV. 

RSV is a virus that causes a respiratory tract infection. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia and is the leading cause of viral death in children under the age of five. RSV is the number one reason for hospitalization of children under the age of one.

Preemies are at a high risk for catching RSV for a number of reasons, however it is largely because normal lung development is cut short.  Preemies have neither developed a normal immune response yet nor the lung capacity of full-term children. This makes it difficult for these infants to fight infections, and is why RSV can turn very serious very quickly. Serious cases of RSV can lead to hospitalization and, sadly, death for some infants. If you have spent any time in an NICU, you have surely heard the warnings from the doctors and nurses about the serious risk.  


There are several factors that increase the risk of serious RSV infection and hospitalization, including:

•                Preterm birth

•                Chronic lung disease

•                Congenital heart disease

•                Immunodeficiency

•                Exposure to second-hand smoke

•                Daycare attendance

•                Multiple birth

•                Family history of asthma

•                Birth within 6 months of the onset of RSV season

In Calgary this year, RSV season began in late November and is expected to last until April. It is very important to take precautions during this period.

Although RSV symptoms are similar to a cold and include: fever, runny nose, and coughing, more serious symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, inability to eat, and apnea. The symptoms can develop quickly and preemies can get very sick in a short period.  

RSV is passed by sneezing, coughing, or by hands touching the nose or eyes and then coming into contact with another person or object. RSV can survive up to 6 hours on hands and up to 12 hours on surfaces.  Our physician strongly encouraged that we limit our son's exposure to public places where they can come into contact with people who might be sick, such as at malls, day cares, grocery stores, large family gatherings, especially when other children who might be sick are present. 

GOOD HANDWASHING IS VERY IMPORTANT TO MINIMIZE RISK

•                Require everyone who comes in contact with your child to wash their hands 

•                Keep your baby away from crowded places during RSV season

•                Limit exposure to people who are sick even if they are getting over a cold – don’t be afraid to tell friends and family that they can’t visit if they are sick

•                Keep your baby away from people who smoke

            One of the hardest things for parents of preemies is to explain to other parents why you are treating your baby differently.  People will make comments about how it is good to help your child develop immunities by exposing them to sick people.  In the case of a preemie, it simply isn't true. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO TELL FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT THEY CAN'T VISIT IF THEY ARE SICK.  People will understand and waiting a few weeks, or even a few months to visit is not a long time in the lifetime of your child.  Your friends and family will understand.

If you would like additional information, please check out the following links:

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/rsv-vrs/index_e.php

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/pneumovirus-eng.php

http://preemies.about.com/od/preemiehealthproblems/a/RSVinPreemies.htm
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw176517&

http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/rsvprogram.asp