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Because Naomi was born 11 weeks early, her immune system will be under-developed for a year or so. She was working hard on her own for 11 weeks rather than kicking back and relaxing in the womb. She'll be at high risk for RSV, colds, and the flu. RSV, cold, and flu season is from the beginning of October to the end of April.
If you plan to visit Naomi, please be up to date on your own immunizations including the flu shot and DTAP (covers whooping cough). Naomi will get some vaccines before she leaves, but she isn't old enough for a flu shot of her own.
One of the vaccines Naomi will get is a monthly vaccination for RSV. Because RSV, colds, and the flu spreads very easily, it is important to keep her away from public places, young children, and people who are sick
We are planning to ask that children do not visit until after April 2012. This is an easy, but not enjoyable decision. The consequences of Naomi catching RSV are potentially severe. For full-term babies, RSV typically isn't worse than a common cold, but for preemies, RSV is quite serious. Babies born earlier than 36 weeks are at the highest risk for serious complications from RSV such as pneumonia, asthma, bronchitis, and other sometimes fatal complications. When we left, young babies with and without RSV were showing up in the NICU and ICC.
Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult, so we will be extremely vigilant during RSV season. The virus is spread through physical contact, in the air via a cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected object. RSV can live as long as six hours on hands and up to twelve hours on objects. 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 they fight it off and build up their immune system? Kids need to get sick, right?” The simple answer is NO! Since Naomi is pre-term, she did not acquire the necessary immunities to effectively fight off infection. And even more importantly, her respiratory tract was not fully mature when she was born. Her lungs missed a very critical developmental period. If Naomi contracts RSV, she will be hospitalized and may develop one of the complications mentioned above, or die.
We want everyone to be able to come and visit her but we ask that you come only if you are healthy. Also, please plan to wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
In order to try to prevent Naomi from getting RSV or any other illness, our doctors strongly recommend that all visitors follow these guidelines until the end of April:
1. When you arrive, please wash your hands and use hand-sanitizer.
2. Please get a flu shot.
3. Please refrain from visiting if you are not symptom-free for at least five days.
4. If you live or have been in close contact with someone who is sick, please refrain from visiting for at least five days.
5. If you smoke, we ask that you change your clothing and refrain from smoking prior to visiting. A preemie’s lungs are very sensitive to smoke. Most RSV sites recommend against passive smoke exposure (including smoke that is in clothing).
6. If you are a parent to a baby or toddler, please refrain from bringing them to our house during RSV season.
7. Please refrain from touching Naomi, unless invited.
We do not mean to offend anyone, or to be "those parents". We simply want you to understand why we are being incredibly cautious. Thank you all for your understanding! Please also note that during RSV season, we will not be taking Naomi out in public or to family events/holidays until the end of April. We will be safe and snuggled in our home and thrilled to send her out into the world next summer!
Just an extra reminder: the best way to prevent illness is by washing your hands often and not touching your face!
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