Riley and I had the pleasure of being interviewed yesterday by Stacey Deffenbaugh! Stacey anchors NBC-2 News at Noon and The Healthcast report at 5:30pm.
She also contributes court stories from state and federal court.
We discussed raising awareness of Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV.
Ms.
Deffenbaugh and her cameraman, John, were a pleasure to have in our
home and share Riley's story as well as his cause of protecting vulnerable
children against respiratory illness. Fortunately, Ms. Deffenbaugh was
incredibly patient with my random thought pattern and our slightly chaotic lifestyle. This experience
certainly shows me that I need to polish my speaking skills and reign in
my focus. I suspect however that she will have no problem working
around us as she prepares to get the word out.
RSV
Respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) infection, is a common, easily spread virus that almost all children catch at least once by the time they turn 2.
RSV disease usually causes moderate-to-severe cold symptoms. However, for some babies, complications from RSV disease can lead to serious lung infection.
Babies at most risk for developing severe RSV disease are premature babies - those born before 36 weeks gestation.
Premature babies have underdeveloped lungs and fewer of the vital antibodies needed to stave off infections, so they are not so well-equipped to fight RSV as full-term babies. Other risk factors for RSV include: low-birth weight (under 5.5 pounds), certain lung and heart diseases, and situational risk factors such as attending day care, having preschool or school-age siblings, or exposure to tobacco smoke.
It is recommended that you call your baby's doctor if your baby has any of these problems:
Coughing or wheezing that doesn't stop
Fast wheezing or gasping for breath
Spread out nostrils and/or caved in chest when trying to breathe
A bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
A fever (in infants under 3 months of age, a fever greater than 100.4 degrees rectal)
Prevention
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wash hands frequently and correctly with soap and water for 15–20 seconds
- Avoid sharing their cups with others
- Refrain from kissing others
4 comments:
How exciting to be interviewed! I hope it went well. My older son suffered from RSV infections. He was a daycare baby, so we suspect that was the culprit. He was quite sick as an infant, even having to be hospitalized (this is not my son who had the stroke, thankfully). I'm glad you are getting the word out about this easily contracted yet little known infection.
My youngest had what they thought was rsv but turned out to be something different. Thanks for posting on this.
My nephew had RSV twice and was in ICU and quarantine at the hospital. My sister was VERY careful. Lots of hand washing and shoes off and everyone cleaned when entering the house. Such a scary virus especially for special need kids.
So glad you are spreading awareness!
Good info Stacie. And great interview. You do so much for your community, and getting the word out.
Have a great rest of your weekend.
Post a Comment