This month's topic is one that us parents don't want to think about, but is important to be aware of - illness in your baby. With winter time upon us, the cold weather brings with it cold and flu season. Like I've mentioned before, I am not here to give out specific medical advice but rather want to educate you on what RSV and the Flu are, signs and symptoms to be aware of, and how to try to prevent it. Both RSV and the flu can have similar symptoms so it may be hard to differentiate between the two.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus):
What it is: A virus that causes cold-like symptoms and infects the lungs and breathing passages. Babies are at higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.
How it spreads: it enters the body through the eyes, nose and mouth from infected respiratory droplets that you either breathe in, have direct contact with, like kissing, or get from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth/face.
Symptoms: coughing, runny nose, decrease in eating or drinking, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fast breathing, irritability, lethargy, sometimes a fever
Prevention: Pregnant mothers can get the RSV vaccine during their third trimester of pregnancy to help pass along immunity to their babies. For moms who do not get the vaccine, the RSV antibody can be given to babies (typically less than 8 months old) during their first RSV season. This antibody will not be effective for a current infection.
FLU:
What it is: A virus that spreads through respiratory droplets and infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Babies are at higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms.
How it spreads: it enters the body through the mouth or nose (and possibly eyes) from infected respiratory droplets that you either breathe in, have direct contact with, like kissing, or from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth/face
Symptoms: fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose, sore throat, chills/body shakes, headache, vomiting or diarrhea, irritability, fast breathing, difficulty breathing, not eating/drinking well, seizures
There are several things you can do to help prevent your baby from getting sick. These include washing your hands, avoid touching the face, cover your coughs/sneezes, avoid close contact with those who are sick, clean frequently touched surfaces, stay home as much as possible, and avoid second-hand smoke.
You may have heard the saying "Don't kiss the babies!" It is very important to let others know not to kiss your baby, especially on the face or anywhere your baby could get into their mouth such as their hands and feet. Do not be afraid to speak up and tell people to keep their distance - you are your baby's best advocate! When you go out of the house, using a car seat cover can help stop others from getting too close to your baby.
If you are the baby's mommy and you yourself are sick with RSV or the flu, it is best to pump your breastmilk (if this is the route you are feeding) and let another person who is healthy bottle feed your baby. This will minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to your little one. Your breastmilk will have antibodies beneficial to your baby so it is still very safe to provide breastmilk.
I pray that you and your little one stays safe and healthy this winter season!