This is part of a sponsored collaboration with MedImmune and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
In September 2009, I became a mom to Jacob. He's my 3rd born, so I naturally felt I had this whole motherhood thing down. And then, in December, Jacob contracted RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus - and I felt like I was thrown a curveball. Here I was a seasoned mom, yet I'd never really heard or been educated about RSV.
RSV is a common virus that affects nearly 100% of babies by age 2. And although my Jacob was not born prematurely, preemies (born earlier than 37 weeks gestation) are at heightened risk for severe RSV disease due to their underdeveloped lungs and immature immune systems. RSV season usually occurs from November through March for most of the U.S., but can vary regionally and from year to year.
RSV disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States, with approximately 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 200 infant deaths each year. Despite being so common, many parents aren’t aware of RSV; in fact, one-third of mothers have never heard of the virus, as was certainly true in my case.
Signs and Symptoms of RSV:
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
- Bluish color around the lips, mouth, or fingernails
- Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F [rectal] in infants under 3 months of age)
I remember that Jacob had all of these symptoms and was just so sick that it scared me. I just knew that something was "off" or "not right" with him. I am so grateful I listened to my instinct and was able to get him the medical attention he needed.
Do you still have questions about RSV? Make sure and visit www.RSVprotection.com for more information and to find resources you need to protect your family. Remember that when it comes to RSV, prevention is key since there is no cure. I'm so grateful for the treatment Jacob received, as he recovered quickly after his bout with RSV.
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