What is RSV?

Monday, November 5, 2007

Have you heard of RSV? Well unless you are a parent of a newborn or in the medical field you probably haven't heard of RSV.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common, easily spread virus. In most children, RSV causes moderate-to-severe cold-like symptoms. But for some babies, RSV can lead to serious lung infection, breathing problems and hospitalization. Babies born at 35 weeks or less, or born with heart or lung problems, are at higher risk for severe RSV disease.
RSV Season usually starts in the fall and runs into the spring, but can be different in certain parts of the country.

Why am I writing about RSV. Since Melissa has CF she falls into this high risk factor of getting RSV. Today she got her first Synagis shot. What is a Synagis?

Synagis is the only FDA-approved medicine to help protect babies from severe RSV disease. Each does of Synagis helps protect babies with enough RSV-fighting antibodies to last about a month. Melissa has to get a Synagis shot every month for the next 6 months. We are doing everything we can to keep her healthy. I hate to see her get so many shots her first year of life, but I rather shots then be sitting in the hospital with her.


Also Melissa has another appointment at the CF Clinic tomorrow 11/6/07, I will update the blog when we get home.