As the mom of a preemie who is, once again, navigating her way
through cold, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season, it is
surprising to me how many people suggest that I need to expose my son to germs
to “strengthen his immune system, especially now that he’s two.” I've heard it
since the day we said goodbye to the NICU. I know in my heart that these
recommendations come from people who have the best of intentions. They
don’t realize that illnesses and infections that are easily treatable in
full-term infants can actually be extremely dangerous to premature babies and
toddlers. They also aren’t aware that this is true not only for infants by for children up til they are two, and
sometimes, like in our case, beyond.
While it’s very important to remember that all infants must be protected
from illness, premature babies have immature immune systems and get sick more
easily than babies born at term. In fact, even a cold can send an
immuno-compromised baby or child to the hospital. There are some precautions
that can be taken to minimize risk.
Based on data from previous years, the NYS Department of Health
recognizes peak cold, flu, and RSV season as October 16th through March 31st of
each year.
During this time, some parents
choose to go into preemie quarantine. Preemie quarantine is the practice
of significantly decreasing the likelihood that your premature baby will be
exposed to harmful germs.
This can be done by staying home, limiting visitors
and outings, getting flu shots as a family, practicing good hand-washing
skills, and not attending events and gatherings - as much as you want to.
Basically, you become a prisoner in your own home for the entire
season. This sacrifice is worth it in the long run, as it can greatly decrease
the chance of illness and makes sure that kids have the best possible chance at
life.
We are currently preparing for our third placement under house arrest
and, though it's difficult in so many ways, house arrest has helped our son
remain health.
Also, please keep in mind during this time (and always) that parents of premies are not being “overprotective.” Before we could even hold our
children, we were taught the dangers of germs, proper hand-washing techniques,
and the importance of changing our clothing and sanitizing. It was a matter of
life or death. We have been conditioned to do whatever it takes to help our
babies survive and thrive, so that’s what we do.
Of course, keeping preemies safe from RSV, as well as other
illnesses like colds and the flu, can be hard on parents, but others can help
lessen the stress.
Every person in a baby’s life – grandparents, aunts and
uncles, siblings, cousins, and friends – could be and should be responsible for
keeping him or her healthy.
Paying some extra attention to your own health,
being understanding if you are asked not to hold a baby, and having
compassion when it comes to delayiny or cancelling visits may be just what it
takes to get the family of a premature infant or child through this season
cold, flu, and RSV free!
___________________________________________
Underestimated Strength is a collection of posts all about our journey through life as we navigate preemie parenting after the NICU. You can read my posts here every Tuesday! Also, feel free to follow me on my website, where I speak freely about our story and advocacy.
Do you have any questions, comments or topic suggestions? Contact me via email: kristina.mulligan.blogs@gmail.com!
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