RSV

For all of our Family and Friends:

RSV. For those of you who plan to visit us over the next few months, and even if you are not, please read this information.

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. Our pediatrician and NICU physicians and nurses have asked us to educate you about RSV.

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. Robinson was born at 26 weeks, had IUGR (low birth weight due to pre-e) and was on the ventilator for a month; these are among the highest risk factors for contracting RSV and developing serious complications. This virus can be life threatening for micro preemies.

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 may seem a little "crazy or obsessive" about keeping Robinson 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 he fight it off and build up his immune system? Kids need to get sick, right?” The simple answer is NO. Since Robinson was born before the 3rd trimester, he did not acquire the necessary immunities to fight off infection- in fact, he didn't have time to receive any immunities from me- he was basically born without an immune system. If he contracts RSV, he could be hospitalized and develop serious complications- it is very likely he would have to go on a ventilator again- which would cause further long term damage to his lungs.

We’ll be asking our visitors to follow a few guidelines to help prevent our little man from contracting RSV or any other illness.

We ask that all visitors do the following:

1. When you arrive, please wash your hands- for AT LEAST 1 MINUTE and use hand-sanitizer as needed before touching Robinson.

2. Please, if it is possible, get a flu shot.

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 smoke, we ask that you change your clothing and refrain from smoking prior to visiting, as a preemie’s lungs are very sensitive to smoke. Most RSV sites recommend against passive smoke exposure.

5. 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- this includes Thanksgiving and Christmas family/friends get togethers. Our goal is to make it through this and the next RSV seasons without Rob contracting RSV or any other serious illness. His lungs are still very fragile until he is 2-years-old.

Please understand that this post is not meant to offend anyone, just simply to provide an explanation. And we know that you all want to see our little miracle and "oooh" and "awww"...just like Rian and I do every day, but it is simply not a good idea this year and we must put Robinson's health as a top priority. We hope you understand, and we appreciate your help in keeping Robinson illness free this year.

We are also providing several resources with additional information about RSV below.
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv_resourceshtm.htm
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsvfaq.htm
http://www.preemiecare.org/rsv2.htm
http://www.mostonline.org/preemieBB/viewforum.php?f=82

Please keep Robinson in your continued prayers and that his immune system will continue to develop and he can stay far away from illness and the hospital!

THANK YOU!