RSV requires no RSVP

I am currently in the process of educating myself about RSV and thought I would share my info.  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)  is the most common cause of respiratory tract infection in children under the age of 5.  Most children are infected by age 2 and experience re-infection throughout life.  For most, it is just a common cold.  For some groups of the population in can become a life-threatening respiratory infection.  Preemies are especially at risk for RSV complications.  Babies born under 36 weeks (Emma), those that will be less than 6 months old at the start of RSV season (Emma), those that attend daycare (Emma), have school age siblings, those exposed to cigarette smoke and those born with heart conditions are high risk.  RSV season generally lasts October through March, however like the flu it can change. 

Emma's pediatrician will arrange for her to receive the Synagis medication.  Synagis is the only FDA approved drug to prevent and/or minimize the effects of RSV in high risk babies.  Synagis is not a vaccine but is a drug given via monthly shots that deliver RSV fighting antibodies to babies.  Synagis is not always covered by insurance so that is one thing we need to look into ASAP.  The cost for a monthly does of Synagis is about $900 and increases with weight.  At the rate Emma is growing, that could be one whopper of a bill by March!  So now you know why we will insist that everyone wash their hands 100 times :)

For more info on RSV click here.