Perhaps the best way to guard against RSV is to wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water, especially before you touch your baby. It is also important to avoid the child as much as possible when you have a cold, since it is easily transferable. If you are the infant's primary caretaker, consider purchasing a surgical mask to wear when you are suffering from a head cold. Also, keep your child away from others who are sick. Tell your family and friends about RSV, explaining the importance of keeping anyone who is ill away from the baby. Even when visitors are not sick, it's important to make them wash their hands before handling your child. Consider posting a sign on your door asking sick visitors to phone instead of visit. Your child should also not be exposed to cigarette smoke. Avoid smoking anywhere near the child, and do not allow visitors or anyone else to smoke in your home. Finally, you should avoid allowing small children to handle the baby. This may sound cruel, but you must remember that they have been exposed to germs at school, church, daycare and on the playground. It may be wise to avoid situations-such as church or social activities-where your baby might be exposed to lots of little kids.
Even a serious head cold can be harmful to a tiny preemie. Helen Harrison, author of The Premature Baby Book, suggests calling your pediatrician with your baby's first cold. Also, if the child's temperature reaches 100 degrees or beyond, he/she should see a doctor. She also offers these tips for helping your child overcome a cold:
-Use a cool mist vaporizer.
-Keep the baby upright so that mucus can drain.
-Suction baby's nose gently using a bulb syringe. Nose drops may also be used.
-Follow your doctor's instructions when administering cold medicine
-Watch for signs of ear infection-pulling/rubbing the ears, irritability, refusal of food, dizziness, vomiting.
Although colds are a part of life, they can be prevented. Dr.Koop.com suggests the following prevention strategies: Keep your distance from anyone who is coughing, sneezing or sniffling; wash your hands often; get plenty of rest; drink lots of fluids; use a good decongestant, but be aware that you may feel groggy or disoriented when using. Adults should see a doctor if they notice any of the following signs:
Go To Page: 1 2
