Protect your Baby this #RSVSeason with Need-To-Know Facts of #RSVawareness & #PreemieProtection

This is part of a sponsored collaboration with MedImmune and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

First and foremost you'd like to know what RSV is right? 

• RSV is a common seasonal virus, contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, and typically causes mild to moderate cold-like symptoms in healthy, full-term babies.
• RSV occurs in epidemics each year, typically from November through March, though it can vary by geography and 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.

You'd think that all parents should be aware of something that can be so dangerous to their baby... WRONG! RSV can also be associated as the "Baby FLU," practically everyone in the US is aware of the FLU Season, why not the RSV Season?

You may be asking, well how do I know if my baby may be suffering from this Virus? Here is a list of symptoms you should look out for:

• Persistent coughing or wheezing
• Bluish color around the mouth or fingernails
• Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths
• Fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F [rectal] in infants under 3 months of age)

There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical. To help minimize the spread of RSV disease, all parents should:

• Wash their hands and ask others to do the same
• Keep toys, clothes, blanket and sheets clean
• Avoid crowds and other young children during RSV season
• Never let anyone smoke around your baby
• Steer clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick

If you haven't noticed your baby having any of these symptoms recently, GOOD. Let's keep it that way by protecting them in every way possible. This Virus is highly contagious like any other "FLU" so being extra sanitary during this season is a must. There is no treatment for RSV disease once it’s contracted, so prevention is critical. To help minimize the spread of RSV disease, all parents should:

• Wash their hands and ask others to do the same
• Keep toys, clothes, blanket and sheets clean
• Avoid crowds and other young children during RSV season
• Never let anyone smoke around your baby
• Steer clear of people who are sick or who have recently been sick

Take a look at this Fact Sheet below to have a figurative idea of what I'm talking about!

Speak to your child’s pediatrician to determine if your baby is at high risk for RSV disease, and if so, what additional steps may be recommended. For more information about RSV and prevention, visit RSVprotection.com.