I didn't know about RSV Disease until a couple years ago when a friend told me her baby had it. RSV is Respiratory Syncytial Virus - a contagious viral disease that may infect a person's lungs and breathing passages. Most children will catch RSV by the age of 2 years. RSV spreads rapidly among children. While most will recover in 1 to 2 weeks, even after recovery, infants and children can continue to spread the virus for 1 to 3 weeks. Seeing as how we're friends and all, its my turn to pass information about RSV Protection to you.
Since Omar is our last child, I'm paranoid about everything especially his health. Our family has been fighting colds and coughs from just before Christmas till now. January and February have been awful. It has come full circle in our home three times. I just want the kids to be healthy already! I checked the RSV Protection site and saw that RSV Season runs in CA, NV, AZ, HI between November and April, based on this information - you can start protecting your baby and family!
There is no cure for RSV, only prevention methods - you can help prevent RSV Disease by taking these precautions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your baby and make sure others do the same
- Don't let anyone smoke in your home or near your baby
- Wash your baby's toys, clothes and bedding often
- Keep your baby away from people with colds, crowds and young children
When Duke was in Kindergarten last year he missed so much school from being sick! We did the responsible thing to do and kept him home to prevent spreading his germs. I just saw the flu going back and forth from kid to kid for months! This year I decided to homeschool so our risk is down a little. When we have to turn in work once a month at our homeschool campus, I make sure Duke isn't touching doorknobs, desks, chairs and toys. When we get home, its straight to the bathroom to wash his hands!
RSV is also highly contagious through touching, kissing and even hugging so if you are sick - resist kissing your baby! (I don't know about you but having a sick little one makes me want to kiss 'em even more!)
This infographic on RSV has been so helpful to me - hope it gives you some insight!
Disclosure: This is a compensated post in collaboration with RSV Protection and Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are my own.
Labels: Babies, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, RSV, RSV Disease, RSV Prevention, RSV Protection, Sick
