RSV

I thought this was a great letter and very informative:

Dear Family and Friends,

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 want to start by saying thank you for the outpouring of support we have received from everyone. So many people have done so much for us, and every bit of help we have received truly is appreciated. We are experiencing the biggest challenge of our lives, and we’re lucky to be surrounded by so many family members and friends who have shown us so much love and support.

We’d also like to share an important topic that we recently discussed 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. Babies that are premature, are multiples, and had low birth weights 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: http://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? Kids need to get sick, right?” The simple answer is NO. Since our baby was pre-term, she did not acquire the necessary immunities to fight off infection. If she contracts RSV, she 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. If possible please get a flu shot.

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

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 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 Alexandra contracting RSV or any other serious illness. Her lungs are still very fragile until she 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.

Love and best wishes to all!
The Family of a much loved preemie


As great as this letter is it didn't address the seasonal or the swine flu which is something we are very concerned about- especially this season. We were told by Alexandra's doctors that she couldn't be around anyone who hasn't had flu shots (both seasonal and H1N1) so that's what we are doing. It's pretty lonely but it's worth it if it keeps our sweetie safe.