My three year old was diagnosed with RSV and pneumonia this morning and she was holding my newborn last night. I’m terrified that the baby will get sick too - what the heck do I do? I’m guessing there’s not much I can do to prevent because she’s already been exposed 
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I'm so sorry, I had a baby in January and my older son and everyone around me was so sick (multiple stomach bugs and viral things) and it was TERRIFYING. But my baby never got more than a tiny bit of congestion. I didn't even get sick actually bc when nursing you and the baby are super protected. I read newborns are quite good at fighting off things so I bet your babe will be just fine
You never know when diseases are contagious too so maybe it won't even be an issue. xoxo!
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@skinnycow: I’m so sorry, that would be so stressful. Unfortunately, I don’t think there’s anything you can do at this point but being diligent if you see any symptoms of RSV coming on get the baby to the doctor immediately
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@pachamama: I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to scare OP more, but newborns are not good at fighting off things, and actually have no immune system speak of
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My 2-yr-old son came down with with RSV on day 8 of my LO's life. Like you I was terrified. I know she's been exposed but I 100% think you should minimize further exposure, I think it will help. ETA: I think there's a good chance of LO not getting it with one-time exposure, but not with consistent long-term exposure. The immune system can only fight off so much.
This is what we did:
- We either kept my son outdoors or in his room. We also sent him to live with the grandparents for 4 days after diagnosis / treatment. The doctor said that was a great option and not overkill.
- we kept the newborn in our room only, so there were never any shared spaces.
- I showered and changed my clothes a lot, in addition to washing hands.
- We hung a hygenic face mask on his doorknob and used it when going in there.
- We cleaned the house with a mix of bleach and water. My mom was here, so she did that.In the end, I don't know if my newborn got it or had just weird brething and congestion issues. Whatever it was, it was way more mild and way less intense than what my son had - he was fully sick for a week and the cough lasted 3 weeks.
Lastly, I don't have a link for you but I know when I researched it, the stats for a baby under 6 months surviving RSV were VERY high, like 90%+?
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@DesertDreams88: yes, definitely limit future exposure!
@skinnycow: I wanted to chime in again, and also say I’m sorry about the rsv for your older child. You wouldn’t think it would be an issue in June! I’m actually timing my next pregnancy to try to avoid cold/flu/rsv season, but it just goes to show you, stuff is always floating around
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Thanks all for the thoughts - my husband is keeping our toddler upstairs and I’m staying downstairs with the baby. I called our pediatrician and they said just to watch for fever and labored breathing. Fingers crossed it stays away. I’m hoping nursing will help her also.
@DesertDreams88: Mine is 8 days old today too
Glad to hear your newborn was able to dodge it!@LAZB: Yes, I definitely thought we would be fine with a June baby! Toddlers are germy all year I guess.
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My then-4yo was diagnosed with coxsackie when my twins were one week old. I freaked out, quarantined my older one with my parents for a week, and breastfed as much as possible. Neither the babies nor I got sick, but my husband did get a fever. I spent three days triple feeding twins (nurse, bottle feed, pump) around the clock by myself because I did not want my husband to touch the babies. It sucked but my girls are now almost one and doing great.
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A friend of mine went through this with the flu (confirmed influenza A), another with Hand,, Foot, and Mouth, and myself with a stomach bug each from older brother (ages 2-3). None of the newborns got it. Not to say don’t take precautions, but it’s definitely not a given.
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@LAZB: you're right, I didn't mean to downplay it at all.
I know of little Q
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@skinnycow: I'm so so sorry for the stress. My daughter had bronchiolitis caused by RSV this past winter and I was a WRECK. We got an inhaler with a chamber, watched her breathing like a hawk, and were ready to go to the ER at the first sign of labored breathing. I hope this passes very very soon.
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@DesertDreams88: I believe it's 1-2% who contract RSV actually need hospitalization.
And I only know because I became a "google queen" about all this stuff.
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@crazydoglady: yes thank you, it is extremely small like that! I tried looking it up but I have an app on my phone that limits how long I can use Chrome/FB so I got kicked off this morning and then couldn't come back, ha....
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@pachamama: thanks
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@DesertDreams88: What app? I need that!
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App Off Timer. User interface is clunky. but it works.
I also use Space for a good macro view.
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We’re 36 hours in and the DD1’s symptoms and fever are gone! She’s improved so quickly.
Still no signs of illness in the baby - we’re continuing to keep them separated for at least a couple more days. Unfortunately my husband is caring for DD1 so he’s staying away from the baby to prevent spreading to her. It’s been a little tough caring for a newborn by myself but hopefully we’ll keep the sickness away from her.
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@LAZB: I’ve read about your son also
Stories like yours definitely help spread awareness.
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@skinnycow: thank you
You never know when diseases are contagious too so maybe it won't even be an issue. xoxo!
Glad to hear your newborn was able to dodge it!
Stories like yours definitely help spread awareness.
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