At this point in the year, we are well into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu season. You’ll want to continue to protect your preemie or NICU baby from both of these common viruses for a few more months (until March or April in most parts of the US). Here are a few trips for avoiding these common illnesses:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially before picking up your baby.
  • Keep an alcohol based hand sanitizer with you for times when you can’t get to a sink.
  • If you have other children in preschool or daycare, consider pulling them out for the winter season.
  • Avoid large crowds, and don’t let strangers touch your baby when you’re out in public.
  • Get everyone in your family who’s old enough a flu shot, and encourage extended family and friends to do the same.
  • Find out if your baby is a candidate for Synagis, a medication which helps prevent RSV, and if so, make sure they get it every month during the RSV season (typically Nov-March)
  • Let family and friends know how dangerous RSV and the flu can be for your preemie advance, and ask them not to come over if they have a cold or the sniffles.
  • For more information about RSV, visit www.Synagis.com.

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