Prematurity Awareness Day

Did you know that November 17 is World Prematurity Awareness Day?

About 8% of babies born in Canada arrive too soon. The rate of premature births has increased by 23 % since the beginning of the 90s.1

Premature infants face increased health risks.

Be a part of the solution by bringing awareness of prematurity to Canadians!

Spread the word and celebrate this special day dedicated to improving the lives of premature babies.

1. http://www.cihi.ca/cihi-ext-portal/internet/fr/document/types+of+care/hospital+care/acute+care/release_29jan09

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Did you know?

If your baby is at risk of getting very sick from RSV infection, you will need to know what RSV is and how to help protect your baby from catching it. Here are a few points to remember.

  • Almost all babies get infected with RSV by the time they are 3 years old.

  • In premature babies (preemies) and in babies with certain lung conditions or congenital heart disease, RSV can be serious and cause infection of the lungs.

  • RSV infections tend to happen from fall to spring in temperate climates such as Canada, but RSV season may vary by region.

  • It is best to ask your doctor when RSV season occurs in your local area.

  • There are many ways you can help protect your baby from catching RSV infection.

  • If you have a cold or fever you should avoid kissing your baby. You should also limit your infant's exposure to people who have a contagious illness.

  • The RSV can live on surfaces for hours. It is important to make sure countertops and bathroom surfaces are cleaned regularly with cleanser – especially when someone in the family has a cold. Make sure to clean toys regularly, and always after a child with a cold has played with them.

  • At first, symptoms of RSV infection may be like a cold and can include fever, runny nose and other cold-like symptoms.

  • Symptoms that the RSV infection is becoming more serious and possibly spreading to the lungs can include: deeper and more frequent coughing, difficulty breathing, including wheezing (a whistling sound) and rapid breathing, blue lips or fingernails, dehydration, and difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Your baby's doctor may ask that you seek immediate medical attention if your baby present any of these symptoms or if you have any concerns regarding your baby's condition.

  • There is no direct treatment that can cure the RSV infection itself. That's because RSV infection is caused by a virus, which unlike bacterial infections, cannot be treated with antibiotics.

  • If your infant is infected with a mild case of RSV, his infection will usually get better on its own, though his doctor may recommend treating symptoms such as fever. A humidifier can also help make breathing easier. If you use a humidifier, be sure to keep it clean.

  • If your baby needs to be hospitalized for an RSV infection, he will likely be given an IV to replenish his fluids. He will also likely receive humidified oxygen, or in some cases, may be hooked up to a ventilator to help him breath.

  • In some cases, your child’s doctor may order an inhaled medication to open the air passages in the lungs and reduce wheezing. In very severe cases, your baby may also be given antiviral medications.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Does your baby have a congenital heart disease or CHD? Find out more about CHD and how this condition can increase the risk of your baby getting very sick from RSV infection.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Find out how much you know about RSV, how it can affect your baby, and what you can do to help protect your baby from getting very sick from this virus.
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