RSV (aka WHAT?!? ACK!!!!)

              Ok, so this post was supposed to be about March being CP awareness month.  And I have that post half written, so maybe I will get around to finishing it for my next post.  BUT this post is going to be my version of written panic attack.  RSV is going around.   I saw a few cases of it mentioned on facebook, but they were physically far away (like two states away) so other than feeling bad for the kids and parents involved I was calm as could be.  HA. HAHAHA.  That virus is a nasty bitch and has reared its ugly head here at home.  Dinkypants has got it now (and is in exile) and I am halfway to freak out mode. 

               So, in order to NOT be one those melodramatic parents we all know and love, I have decided to whistle past the graveyard as it were and try to write to something sensible and help spread information instead of panic and flop sweat and germs.  Notice I said TRY.  Be kind, people.  Anywhooo....

                RSV- respiratory syncytial virus is a sometimes nasty respiratory infection whose symptoms usually mimic a cold. When Feisty Pants had it, the pulmonologist  at CHOP referred to it as the "nastiest chest cold". It is very prevalent and most people have had it before they were five. (Some doctors estimate by two years old.)  It's a virus -so no antibiotics and the only treatment is supportive care.  Think chicken soup, humidifier, tylenol, all the Mommy things you do when your kids are sick.   Most people have a miserable week or so and then it clears up. The problem comes when it causes a secondary infection OR when it hits the very small, the elderly, the disabled, or the immunocompromised.   Then it can be deadly.  For Feisty Pants, it meant a scary helicopter ride to Philadelphia, ten days on a ventilator, two IO's (that's when a doctor pops a hole in your bone because you're too sick or dehydrated for an IV) and one more holiday in a hospital.

                The symptoms to look out for are: fever (usually low grade), snotty or runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, mild headache.   In severe cases the symptoms to watch for are: fever, severe cough, wheezing, rapid or difficult breathing, the child may not want to lie down (especially on back), bluish tinge to skin or lips.   If you live in the Southern Tier (or anyplace you have heard it is going around) and see the first set of symptoms, go to the doctor.  They can test for it and rule it out.   If you live anywhere and see the second set GET TO AN ER STAT.  People at most risk for the severe form of the infection are the very young (under six months or under a year with an underlying health condition), the elderly, babies in crowded childcare settings, adults with an underlying lung disease (such as COPD), anyone who is immunocompromised.    

                The virus is a droplet contact virus that enters the body through the nose, eyes and mouth.  It can live on surfaces such as doorknobs, counters and toys for hours.  Now is the time to bathe in purell.   And wash your damn hands.  A lot.  A person with RSV is most contagious in the first few days but can spread it for a few weeks. (And THIS is why we need paid sick leave, people)    

                Most of time, RSV is mild and a minor bump in the road along life's journey, but when it gets nasty, it gets nasty very quickly.   If you have any reason to suspect you or your kid has it, do us all favor.  Get it checked. Stay home. (Seriously STAY HOME) Take care of it and help those little ones feel better.