More than half a million babies are born early in the United States. Despite this, many parents still aren’t aware of prematurity – the leading cause of neonatal death. In conjunction with World Prematurity Month, I'm helping spread awareness of preemies and RSV.
Because
early birth disrupts a baby’s development in the womb, preemies often
require specialized health care and are more susceptible to a host of
respiratory problems. One virus in particular that parents of preemies
should know about is respiratory syncytial virus,
commonly known as RSV. RSV is contracted by nearly all children by the
age of two, often causing mild to moderate cold-like symptoms. However,
preemies are at high risk
for developing much more serious symptoms, including a serious
respiratory infection (severe RSV disease) from the virus, because they
are born with underdeveloped lungs and a lesser amount of vital
antibodies needed to fight off infections.
My cousin actually had a preemie baby who suffered from RSV, so this is an issue near and dear to my heart. I've also had several friends and family members have a premature baby, so I know it's a common issue.
I had a chance recently to interview Dr. Mitchell Goldstein (Associate Professor of Pediatricsat
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and former Executive Director
of the National Perinatal Association) and Kristen Padavic (mother of
preemie twins and volunteer with preemie support group, Hand to Hold) about premature birth and RSV. You can watch the interview below.
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