#RSV in daycare

[confinesofmy]

my littlest cousin is very sick with some sort of upper respiratory for like the 20th time in his very short little life. 😢 it's so hard not to mentally backseat parent in a situation like this. at least his mom is always quick with the doctor's visits, that makes me feel better at least.

[punkshort]

what’s it like being a mom.

Short answer? It's really weird and really hard. But also very fun and exhausting. Long explanation under the cut:

My son was hospitalized back in October for four days with RSV (turns out he has asthma, found that out the hard way) and it was terrifying. It felt like I was waiting for an adult to tell me what to do but turns out, I'm that adult? Like, what? I have to make decisions for a brand new person and hope I do the right thing? It's fucking scary man. He's fine, by the way. Daily inhaler and no issues since and he will likely grow out of it, but moments like that are certainly not what you think about when you plan to start a family. He also has a speech delay which takes so much of our time and energy. He's been in speech therapy since he was 18 months old and he's made incredible progress but it makes me a little sad when my friend who has a son 6 months younger than mine can tell her "my dinner is yucky" and mine can't. But he's getting better - in fact just as I was typing this, he came to get me for help with a toy. 4 months ago he wouldn't do that.

But on the flip side it's really fucking cool to see a blend of you and your partner and watch as he experiences things for the first time. Simple things like laughing so hard at bubbles that he falls over is so endearing I can't even explain it, stuff like that is so sweet and it reminds me to appreciate little things in life. And he's incredibly smart, it really amazes me everyday the things he can do/knows. He was 1 and already knew his abcs - he couldn't say them because of the speech delay but he had these magnetic letters and he put them all in order from memory on my living room floor and blew my mind. He knows his numbers 1-100 and he just turned 3. He remembers everything, he (tries) to repeat everything, he loves being challenged and learning something new. Just about two weeks ago, he was nervous being dropped off at daycare and a little girl in his class came forward and said "it's okay, take my hand" and he did and she led him into the room and I almost sobbed in the middle of the hallway at 9am.

I guess to sum it up: it's scary and cool at the same time. And I always assumed my mom knew everything, like she had all the answers and now that I'm a mom I've realized she had no fucking clue, she just figured it out as she went along. So if/when the time comes for you to be a parent, don't expect to know everything, because you won't. You just figure it out as things come up and try to have fun along the way.

[leaveherwildliketheflowers]

It's been a long two weeks. Maeve was sick. Then hubs was sick. Then Maeve got RSV from an outbreak at daycare. No one has slept well in 2 weeks. When I don't sleep I lose the ability to cope with baseline stress. Lots of menty b's happening. Lots.

This weekend I turn 31. Hubs planned a trip to the local wineries months ago to celebrate. So we left our recovering but still very germy babe with my inlaws to get some much needed time away as a couple. I miss my girl and feel guilty leaving her when she is sick but the change of pace and ability to rest is giving restoration I desperately need. The wine isn't hurting either.

I also realized how old I'm getting tonight. Moments after snapping this picture at my fav winery I told hubs we had to order dinner to go because I wasn't hungry enough to eat and I was going to fall asleep at the table. It was 5:15pm 🙃

[girlfriendsofthegalaxy]

my best friend’s eight-month-old picked up RSV at baby daycare and so far is shrugging it off no problem (no fever, no other weirdness, can breathe, etc) but do u kno who hung out with her for twenty minutes on Thursday and is now lightly delirious with fever? that’s right ur good pal girlfriendsofthegalaxy, whose immune system is not stronger than an infant’s

[p0tat0-g0ddess]

People I want to get to know better

Tagged by @vellatra! Thank you!

Last Song: Forever & Always by Written By Wolves

Favorite color: Blue!

Currently watching: MacGyver(2016) I guess? I'm not currently watching anything very much. Dipping my toes into Castle a bit as well.

Sweet/Spicy/Savory: Ssssavory?? I love sweet as well, not a big spicy person because I am white like bleached flour

Relationship status: single as a pringle and hoping to stay that way for the foreseeable future 👍

Current Obsession: Minecraft!

Last thing you Googled: "Can adults get RSV". Guess what illness is going around my daycare? :^)

Tagging @galaxythedragonshifter, @artimies6, @im-ichihime-trash, @psalmsinthedark, and @artsy-dreamer if yall wanna give it a go!

editing to tag @ldinkaofficial

[lifeinkinder]

We are headed to our 3rd doctors appointment this week, this time for Squish.

Baby girl spits up 10-20 times a day. At least once within 30 minutes of her bottle but usually more and at least twice within 2 hours of her bottle but also usually more. Plus sometimes the fun spit up in the middle of her bottle. And sometimes that fun spit up where spit up comes out of her nose. And I worry that she's aspirated.

We went to urgent care Sunday for that exact reason though they put the visit reason down as spitting up and the PA said I was just a concerned first time mom. Nah ma'am my baby went completely stiff when spit up came out her nose and she wasn't crying like she usually does and I cannot guarantee she didn't stop breathing for a few seconds. Plus the patient advisory line with her insurance told me she should be seen because of the potential that she aspirated and because I couldn't guarantee she didn't stop breathing for a few seconds. She's done the spit up coming out her nose before but never tur completely stiff not crying thing. Even where the twins are concerned, I don't generally overreact. I mean one of them is medically complex I've grown pretty familiar with when I need to be worried and when I don't.

And I know she has reflux and she's gaining weight so there's no need to be concerned. But she has so many symptoms of severe reflux and I refuse to accept that it'll just be this way for the next year or so. At least without further investigation to make sure that's all it is.

Because I switched to a low lactose formula and I feed her sitting up and she's upright for upwards of an hour after each feeding and I don't bounce or rock or jostle for at least 45 minutes and literally nothing has changed. In fact her spit up continues to get more frequent.

Little Man went to the local cardiologist today. Nothing new to report. Nothings changed since we saw his primary cardiologist 10 days ago. Local Cardiologist says full repair surgery at 3-6 months primary cardiologist says full repair at 4-8 months. So sometime between now and December he'll have open heart surgery. I'm hoping I can get his primary cardiologist to nail down a more specific timeline when he sees her in 11 days because yall that 6 month range is killer for planning purposes when I'll have to write lts plans and take fmla and figure out what to do with squish and how to balance baby in the cardiac picu and baby who is fine. Especially if his surgery happens during rsv season since she'll be in daycare and my students will be a germy mess.

[aniron48]

If everyone will pardon me being deeply earnest on main for a minute, this is the situation parents and kids are in right now, at least in my corner of the U.S.: Flu, COVID, RSV, and a plethora of other viruses are running basically unchecked through the daycare/preschool aged population. My family has been sick with one or the other of these since before Thanksgiving. It's bad--many pediatric hospitals are running out of beds. A friend's otherwise perfectly healthy three year old was just hospitalized with RSV. Pharmacies are out of infants' and children's Tylenol and Motrin (which, by the way, are pretty much the only things you can give young kids for everything from ear infections to teething to lowering fevers, and almost every single one of the illnesses named above comes with a fever). Last week we had to take my son to the doctor because he had a virus that, in addition to congestion and fever, gave him an earache. He also had conjunctivitis. The doctor hand-wrote us a prescription for amoxicillin, because she said it's hit or miss whether pharmacies have this right now and we'd likely have to take it multiple places. She was right. Pharmacies are out of amoxicillin, the antibiotic that pediatricians prescribe for childhood infections and earaches. If I had to guess, I would imagine this is among the top prescription medications for kids of this age--it's the only thing my little guy has ever had a prescription for, for example. We have the wherewithal to take time of work (though just barely, and we're running out of leave) and drive to multiple pharmacies. Other families do not. Everyone in my family is exhausted. And last night, in the middle of the night, my son's temperature hit 101 again, with a new virus. Before he ever got over the last one. Our best guess is he got this during the seven hours he was healthy enough to go to daycare last week. We can't get a break. Please, please, please care enough about people to wear a mask in indoor public places right now. It's not just COVID.

[fosterem]

How old was Pips when he went into daycare? Has it been difficult with illnesses?

He was 4 months, but still in preemie clothes! His adjusted age was just under 4 weeks.

We did struggle at the beginning. He had pneumonia twice, and got RSV in the fall.

He had a constant cough. His pediatrician prescribed him budesonide (steroid nebulizer treatment, we did twice a day), and albuterol.

He’s a lot better now, and we only use his nebulizer when he’s sick.

All of my kids always have daycare snot 🙄 price you pay.

[toffins]

callout to parents: you should let me give ur children a bat and me and them can beat u to paste for allowing rsv, covid, influenza a, norovirus, and so much more into a daycare center idc idc

[captivemuses]

So my fricken daycare kids got me sick, I’m pretty sure I’ve got RSV bc I have all the same symptoms my coworker did last week and it’s been going around the building including my classroom. So I’m gonna attempt to get an ask or two done just to do something useful but otherwise I’m gonna be mostly lurking and blobbing since calling out of work tomorrow is out of the question so I gotta suck it up and just stock up on rest now.

[leaveherwildliketheflowers]

M has been sick on and off since she started daycare in July. She came down with another respiratory virus and has had a fever since Wednesday night (controlled by Tylenol). I posted a picture of us on my BeReal today and mentioned she was sick again. I promptly received a text from one of my best friends and the conversation went like this:

Friend: How is little M doing?

Me: Poor thing is sick again! Peds ruled out all the major things (RSV/Flu/COVID) but she has a fever so we kept her home for the second day in a row. I feel so bad for her.

Friend: She is building up an immune system at a rapid rate, I'm sorry! Do you need any help? Dinner? A break for a nap?

Me (hesitates before answering honestly knowing I could use some help and adult time): I don't want you to get sick, but if you wanted to bring dinner and have a fire and hang around tonight I definitely wouldn't say no.

Friend: That's a lovely invite but we have tickets to a show tonight so we wouldn't be able to stop by.

How I wanted to respond: 😑

How I actually responded: That sounds like so much fun, enjoy!

Now look, I don't ever expect anyone to help me and Hubs in our parenting journey. We chose this knowing it would come with challenges. My friends don't have children yet and I love that they are taking their time and living their lives before they settle down.

Here's where I get irritated. So many people, including my friends who do things exactly like this, are always telling me how much help we have with M. We have literally no help aside from my inlaws who live 1.5 hours away and can only come help on an occasional weekend. My friends offer to help and when I try to actually take them up on it (which I never used to but I'm actually trying to let myself be vulnerable in that way because I need help) they never follow through. It's an empty offer. I would rather they not offer to help at all instead of extending an olive branch and then acting like I invited them over unprompted when I try to take them up on it.

The worst part is I have been consumed by this all day. I feel humiliated for even trying to accept the help. I should have just said I was fine. I keep thinking that maybe I misunderstood her but what else could she have meant. She probably expected me to just say we don't need anything. I just don't understand why even offer it if you know you can't fit it in your schedule. Sometimes being the only one with a kid is isolating.

[theparentzapp]

The Importance of Keeping Your Baby's Vaccination Records

Introduction:

As a parent, you have to make sure that your baby gains all the protection that he/she requires. Another thing which you should not forget is the immunizations of your kids. Preventive measures are very important especially when it comes to severe diseases, having a baby vaccination chart will help ensure that a child gets the right vaccinations at the right age. Documentation is very critical especially when it comes to immunisation to ensure that the baby is healthy.

Why Is It Important to Keep Vaccination Records?

A baby vaccination chart assists in monitoring the baby’s immunisation schedule to avoid missing any crucial vaccination. In some cases, vaccines are administered at different times in the life of an individual; therefore, it becomes difficult or even possible to forget the administration of a specific shot if the administration is not recorded appropriately. A vaccination chart makes it easier for one to refer to and determine which vaccines have been administered and which have not.

Moreover, parents need to provide proof of their children’s immunization for such essentials as attending a daycare center or school and sometimes even for traveling. Using records, up-to-date you can easily provide proof of the fact that your child is immune. It also assists your doctor to assess your baby’s medical history and advise you on it appropriately.

Stay Informed with Changing Vaccine Schedules

A vaccination schedule that differs often depending on the new information that is found from time to time. For example, the RSV shot was included in 2023 to help protect babies from the respiratory syncytial virus. As with vaccination over the years, some changes like this addition have benefited the vaccine program and the vaccines themselves; making them safer and more effective. Any record which indicates which type of shots your baby requires should be updated to accommodate these changes so that the child receives all the shots he requires.

For example, the CDC together with other health organizations analyse the aggregated data on the vaccine and then alters the schedule further. Therefore, how and when the records were updated placed your baby under vaccination protection as recommended.

What Should Be Included in the Baby Vaccination Chart?

Your chart of baby vaccinations should contain the names of the vaccines your baby received when the administration took place and any subsequent booster injections. One has to understand which vaccinations are administered in several doses like DTap or the rotavirus. You should also put down the side effects or reactions your baby had each time you made the shots.

Some common vaccines that should be on the chart include. 

- Hepatitis B (HepB)

- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whole Cell Pertussis (DTP).

- MMR- Measles, Mumps and Rubella

- Influenza (Flu)

- Respiratory Syncytial Virus commonly referred to as RSV

Such information with you is useful since it enables one to immunise the child at the right time and shield him or her from diseases that could be a risk.

Conclusion

The use of a baby vaccination chart is one of the most useful and easy methods of ensuring that the health of a child is well protected. It makes sure your little one receives all the required vaccines at the correct time, helps you understand any changes in the immunization schedule, and also enables you to retrieve vital health information on the go. Just ensure that one has a clean record that will help in protecting the baby at the early stages of their development.

[prisha-patil]

Understanding Recurrent Cough and Cold in Children: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment with Insights from Dr. Amita Phadnis

Recurrent respiratory illnesses in children are a major source of concern. Lost sleep for parents is also a significant issue. To better understand these persistent problems we turn to Dr. Amita Phadnis. She is renowned pediatrician. Dr. Phadnis offers expertise on the causes. She provides insights. These insights focus on prevention. Treatment of recurrent cough and cold in children.

Causes of Recurrent Cough and Cold:

Weak Immune System

A weakened immune system often stems from poor nutrition or underlying health conditions. This can make children more vulnerable. They are prone to infections. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamins. Minerals is crucial.

Allergies and Asthma

Allergic reactions to dust pollen, or pet dander can cause recurrent respiratory symptoms. Asthma is chronic condition. It frequently presents with a persistent cough and wheezing. Also this exacerbates the problem.

Common Viral Infections

Children are highly susceptible to viral infections. Examples include Rhinovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These viruses are leading causes of cough and colds. Exposure in schools is frequent. Daycares also see high incidence rates. This increases likelihood of repeated infections.

Underlying Health Conditions:

Chronic conditions such as sinusitis or enlarged adenoids can contribute to frequent cough. Cold episodes exacerbate the issues. Dr. Phadnis recommends regular check-ups. This helps diagnose and manage these conditions effectively.

Environmental Factors:

Exposure to secondhand smoke air pollution and drastic weather changes can trigger recurrent respiratory issues in children. Dr Phadnis emphasizes the importance. Maintaining a clean and smoke-free environment is crucial.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Common Symptoms:

Recurrent cough. Runny nose. Nasal congestion sore throat. Fever. These are typical symptoms. Parents should monitor the duration. They should also observe the frequency. Parents should be attentive. Constant vigilance is necessary.

When to See a Doctor:

If symptoms persist for more than ten days or if child experiences difficulty breathing high fever, or wheezing. Medical attention is necessary. Dr. Phadnis advises prompt consultation. This helps prevent complications.

Diagnostic Tests:

A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential. In some cases chest X-rays are required. Allergy tests may also be necessary. Blood tests can be required too. These tests help identify underlying issues.

Good Hygiene Practices:

Teaching children proper handwashing techniques. Encourage the use of tissues. Use elbows when coughing or sneezing. This can reduce the spread of infections.

Vaccinations:

Staying up-to-date with vaccinations including annual flu shot, is vital. Vaccines help build immunity. They protect against common pathogens.

Nutritional Support:

A diet rich in fruits vegetables and whole grains strengthens the immune system. Dr. Phadnis highlights the role of vitamins C and D. These vitamins, along with zinc are essential in boosting immunity.

Environmental Controls:

Using air purifiers reducing exposure to allergens and maintaining a clean home environment can help prevent respiratory issues. Avoiding known irritants. Smoke and strong chemicals is also beneficial

Home Remedies and Management

Hydration and Rest

Encouraging adequate fluid intake is crucial. Ensuring a child gets plenty of rest is key. It is essential to recovery. Warm fluids can soothe the throat. They also help alleviate congestion.

Steam Inhalation:

Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can help open up nasal passages. This can ease breathing. This is simple home remedy. It can provide quick relief. It also eases congestion.

Humidifiers:

Using humidifier in a child's room adds moisture to the air. This helps to relieve nasal congestion. It also aids in coughing

Over-the-Counter Medications:

Age-appropriate medications such as saline nasal drops and fever reducers can provide symptom relief. Dr. Phadnis advises you should consult a pediatrician. Consult before administering any medication.

Natural Remedies:

Honey for children over one-year-old can be effective in soothing cough. Saline nasal drops can help clear nasal passages. This makes breathing easier.

Medical Treatments and Interventions

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics are only necessary for bacterial infections. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. Dr. Phadnis stresses the importance. Following medical advice is essential. Completing prescribed treatments is crucial

Treating Underlying Conditions:

Managing allergies with antihistamines or asthma with inhalers can significantly reduce the frequency of cough. Episodes of colds decrease. Regular follow-ups with healthcare provider are essential. Chronic conditions need continuous monitoring

Long-term Health Implications

Potential Impact

Frequent respiratory infections can impact a child's growth development. They affect overall well-being. It is essential to monitor. Managing these recurrent issues is paramount.

Managing Chronic Conditions:

Long-term management strategies include medication lifestyle changes and regular medical consultations. These are necessary for children with chronic conditions. Dr. Phadnis underscores the importance of a proactive approach. Proactive approaches to health. They can significantly improve outcomes.

Parental Support and Resources

Support Groups:

Joining support groups and online communities can provide valuable information. There can be emotional support. Sharing experiences with other parents can be reassuring.

Consulting Specialists:

Seeking advice from pediatricians allergists or nutritionists can provide comprehensive care. Dr. Phadnis encourages parents to seek professional guidance. Whenever in doubt.

Educational Resources:

Reliable sources like books and websites doctors equip parents. They enable them. They help make informed decisions. This ensures about child's health.

Conclusion

Understanding the causes prevention and treatment of recurrent cough and cold in children is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. By following preventive measures, parents can help their children overcome these common issues. Utilizing effective home remedies is also beneficial. Seeking timely medical intervention is crucial.

Dr. Amita Phadnis’s insights highlight the importance of a balanced approach to care. Emphasizing both preventive strategies. Proactive treatment ensures children lead healthy active lives.

[morayc]

Monday 20th May

A day of ups and downs.

Everyone was up and out early except for me. Raymond was driving a buggy on the golf course with Rod, and Sheila was dancing. I started slowly then walked into town to meet Sheila fo coffee and a bit of shopping. The boys were back by the time we returned. Zoë had phoned earlier to say that Hali wasn’t very well, so Rod popped round with some medication and was gone quite a long time, for a very good reason.

I was heading to the sleep-out when I saw Rod return with Sheila’s first surprise. I about-turned back to the house and Sheila was just coming down the stairs. She greeted Rod and said a polite hello to the man at his side. It took her several seconds to realise she was looking at David, her oldest child!

She really couldn’t take it in. David had completed a mammoth journey -Majorca, London, Qatar, Auckland and Napier - and hadn’t slept at all. But he joined us until he finally gave in at about 7pm.

When we were here ten years ago, David was teaching himself to play the piano. To Sheila’s delight he went off to play again not long after he arrived.

The down of the day was hearing that wee Hali was really unwell. She goes to daycare where there had been several cases of RSV. Despite being right as rain on Sunday with only a hint of a cough, she had a bad night of coughing and vomiting and then deteriorated during the day. She ended up in hospital overnight. So Sheila’s joy at having David home was tempered by the anxiety about her wee granddaughter’s illness.

But we played cards to pass the evening and Raymond and Rod finished the evening off with what Raymond said was a very fine whisky!

[drambikachestclinic]

Bronchiolitis: Symptoms and Causes

Definition:

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection that primarily affects infants and young children. It causes inflammation and congestion in the small airways (bronchioles) of the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.

Causes:

Bronchiolitis is most commonly caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), although other viruses such as adenovirus, rhinovirus, influenza virus, and parainfluenza virus can also lead to bronchiolitis. The virus is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Risk factors for bronchiolitis include:

Age: Infants and young children under the age of two, particularly those under six months, are at higher risk due to immature immune systems and smaller airways.

Exposure: Close contact with an infected individual, such as a family member or daycare attendee, increases the likelihood of contracting the virus.

Premature Birth: Premature infants with underdeveloped lungs and immune systems are more susceptible to severe respiratory infections like bronchiolitis.

Crowded Environments: Settings with close contact between children, such as daycare centers, increase the risk of viral transmission.

Underlying Health Conditions: Children with chronic lung disease, heart disease, or weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe bronchiolitis.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of bronchiolitis typically develop gradually, with the initial signs resembling those of a common cold. As the infection progresses, symptoms may worsen and include:

Coughing: Often starts as a dry cough and may progress to a productive cough with thick mucus.

Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sounds when breathing, particularly during exhalation.

Rapid or Difficulty Breathing: Shallow, rapid breathing or labored breathing, especially noticeable in infants.

Nasal Congestion: Stuffy or runny nose, often accompanied by sneezing.

Fever: Mild to moderate fever is common, although not all children with bronchiolitis develop a fever.

Irritability or Fatigue: Restlessness, irritability, decreased appetite, and fatigue may accompany respiratory symptoms.

In severe cases, bronchiolitis can lead to respiratory distress, characterized by severe breathing difficulties, cyanosis (blueish discoloration of the skin or lips due to lack of oxygen), and dehydration. Infants and young children with these symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Conclusion:

Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection in infants and young children, primarily caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Understanding the symptoms and risk factors for bronchiolitis is crucial for early detection and appropriate management. While most cases of bronchiolitis are mild and resolve on their own with supportive care, severe cases may require medical intervention to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes. Parents and caregivers should seek medical attention if their child develops symptoms of bronchiolitis, especially if they experience breathing difficulties or signs of respiratory distress.

[mrs-mikko-rantanen]

Gotta love working at a daycare in the middle of an RSV outbreak 🙃