Preparing for Flu and RSV Season
/Flu and RSV season is in full swing and we have already had our fair share of stuffy runny noses and sore throats in our household and I can only see more on the horizon so we are heading back into isolation. One of the things you hear most when you move into isolation is “Your baby needs to be exposed to germs to build their immune systems”. Lets go ahead and debunk that myth right now. Babies’ immune systems mature with time, not exposure and if a premature baby catches a bug they are at a significantly higher risk of re-hospitalization and death than a full term baby. I did my research y’all. In the simplest terms preemies or immuno-compromised little ones are more likely to be infected because their little systems are immature.
Here is my complete list of preparations steps along with tips and trips for how to avoid getting infected are…
Isolate – avoid large crowds or gatherings especially with people who have been or are sick.
Immunize - Som kiddos qualify for and can receive the Synagis Vaccine which helps to decrease the likelihood of your baby contracting RSV. Also ensure that anyone your child is exposed to has had the flu shot.
Do not let people kiss or touch your baby unless they have been sanitized and have your blessing. Babies are cute and people want to snuggle them but for pete’s sake don’t kiss a baby that isn’t yours unless the parents tell you its okay!
Keep hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE - good hand hygiene is key.
Keep these Hydrogen Peroxide spray and wipes on hand. They kill the Norovirus and Rorovirus in seconds. They are not all natural by any means but they work!
Keep your home shoe free – shoes carry more germs than most other things coming in and out of your home.
When you are out and about sanitize things like tables, carts and highchairs before your baby comes in contact with it (on the go wipes). Also bring your own toys and if ANYTHING touches the floor pack it away and do not let the baby come in contact with it again until it has been fully sanitized.
We are battening up the hatches and settling in like a family of bears for our hibernation. While interacting with other adult humans may sound like fun it is not worth the risk of exposing our sweet little ones. I hope that you are all able to stay as healthy as possible this season!