Jade Small
Jade Small
October 22, 2024 ·  3 min read

It’s RSV Season—Please Don’t Kiss the Babies

As we head into RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season, the risk of severe infection becomes a concern, especially for those with weak immune systems. While this virus can impact anyone, it poses a particularly significant threat to infants—especially premature babies.

Why Premature Babies Are More at Risk

Premature babies often have underdeveloped lungs and immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections like RSV. One concerned mother, Ashley Gerbrandt, who recently welcomed a premature baby, is understandably vigilant about protecting her little one. For families like hers, taking extra precautions can be a matter of life and death.

Simple Steps to Keep Babies Safe

Keeping babies safe from RSV involves a few simple but essential practices. First and foremost, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching a baby. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoid kissing babies altogether. These simple actions can make a world of difference when it comes to protecting infants from illness.

Limit Exposure to Sick People

If you have a baby, it’s important to minimize their contact with people who are sick. This includes not only family members but also visitors and friends. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that babies come into contact with is another way to reduce the risk of RSV. Preventive measures may seem small, but they can significantly reduce the chances of your child becoming seriously ill.

A Parent’s Fear of RSV

Gerbrandt, like many parents, is deeply concerned about the increasing number of respiratory virus cases being reported at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC). The sheer volume of RSV cases in the hospital is alarming, and it’s understandable why parents would want to avoid a return visit. Having just brought her baby home from the hospital, Gerbrandt expressed how frightening it would be to go back. Her message to other parents is simple: take this virus seriously.

Educating Adults on RSV

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to preventing RSV is a lack of awareness. Gerbrandt stresses the importance of educating adults about the virus and the necessary precautions. Many people, she believes, simply don’t realize the danger they pose to babies when they don’t wash their hands or insist on kissing them. Educating friends and family is key to keeping babies safe.

Teaching Children to Be Careful Too

Educating young children about RSV can be a bit trickier, but it’s just as important. Gerbrandt is working hard to ensure her 5-year-old understands the need to keep his distance from his baby sister. While he adores her, he’s learning to wash his hands more often and to kiss her less frequently to prevent bringing germs from school into the home. Though challenging, teaching children these habits is a vital step in protecting vulnerable infants.

Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV

The Canadian Pediatric Society identifies common RSV symptoms as a runny nose, a decrease in appetite, and coughing or wheezing. In more severe cases, difficulty breathing may occur. For infants younger than six months, the symptoms can be subtler. Parents should be on the lookout for signs such as irritability, a decrease in activity and appetite, and, in some cases, apnea (pauses in breathing).

Encouraging Mindfulness Around Babies

As RSV cases continue to rise, Gerbrandt’s message to everyone is simple: be mindful around babies. Washing hands and refraining from kissing babies can save lives. She knows firsthand how distressing it is to see a baby struggle to breathe, and she urges others to help prevent such situations by taking basic hygiene seriously.

Conclusion: A Plea for Caution During RSV Season

As RSV season ramps up, it’s more important than ever to prioritize the health and safety of vulnerable babies. By taking simple steps—like washing hands, covering coughs, avoiding close contact with sick people, and refraining from kissing babies—parents and caregivers can protect infants from this potentially life-threatening virus. Raising awareness and educating both adults and children about these preventive measures can make a significant difference. Let’s all do our part to ensure that babies stay safe and healthy during RSV season.

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