How to help protect babies From RSV, a common & contagious virus This time of year brings cold/flu season and the spread of germs. It’s especially important for parents and caregivers to keep this top of mind and be aware of seasonal illnesses that often circulate during winter. In particular, respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a highly con-tagious and common virus contracted by nearly 100 percent of chil-dren by the age of two. RSV occurs in epidemics, typically from No-vember through March in most of the US, but the “RSV season” can vary by geography and from year to year. In many babies, the virus leads to a mild respiratory infection with symptoms similar to the common cold or flu, but can develop into a much more severe infection in high-risk infants including babies born prematurely (earlier than 35 weeks gestation). In fact, preterm infants are twice as likely as full-term infants to be admitted to the hospital for RSV-related symptoms. Dr. Paul Checchia, Professor of Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine and Cardiology, Texas Children’s Hospital states, “RSV disease is the leading cause of hospitalization for babies during their first year of life in the United States and results in up to 10 times as many infant deaths each year than the flu. It’s critical for parents to keep a close eye on their infants and go to their pediatrician when they show signs of illness.” Dr. Checchia says the potential signs and symptoms of severe RSV disease that parents need to pay attention to are coughing or wheez-ing, fast or troubled breathing, spread-out nostrils and/or a caved-in chest when trying to breathe, bluish color around the mouth or fin-gernails, and a fever (especially if it is over 100.4°F rectal). Caring for People with Complex Health Conditions 24 BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM BROOKLYN’S TOP DOCTORS Currently, there is no treatment for RSV disease, so taking the proper preventive methods is crucial to helping to protect your ba-by’s little lungs. Preventive methods include diligently washing your hands and asking others to do the same, avoiding those who may be sick during RSV season, and asking your child’s pediatrician if he or she may be at high risk for RSV disease and ways you can help protect a high-risk baby. For more information about RSV disease, visit www.RSVprotec-tion. com. Here you can find helpful tips on talking to your pedia-trician, data about the RSV season in your area, and real stories of families’ experiences with RSV disease. Courtesy BPT In 2003, several frontline community health organizations recognized that their clients living with HIV and AIDS needed a health plan with comprehensive health coverage and a care model that would address their unique health challenges. They came together to form a mission-driven not-for- profit health plan – AMIDA CARE. The AMIDA CARE team is recognized for their expertise in reaching and caring for people with difficult circumstances and complex health care needs. Their unique, holistic approach to health care deals with every member on three levels: physical, mental, and emotional. This integrated care model is the hallmark of Amida Care’s personalized approach. “Health care is much more than medicine and doctors’ visits. If we can help people with the full range of factors that affect their health, which often include housing, employment, and transportation, we can help them get on with the business of living well and contributing to their community,” says Amida Care CEO Doug Wirth. “This focus on wellness is one of the reasons we host monthly “Live Your Life” member events in boroughs throughout New York City, offering classes including yoga, meditation, dance and healthy cooking.” AMIDA CARE also advocates for policies and initiatives that support health and social justice through close involvement in initiatives such as the New York State Blueprint to End the AIDS Epidemic by 2020. One particular area of focus is reducing the spread of HIV in populations disproportionately affected, which includes young men of color who have sex with men (MSM) and the transgender community. Amida Care’s Medicaid Live Life Plus special needs health plan (SNP) is the largest in New York, with an extensive network of health care providers throughout the five boroughs. Please visit www.AmidaCareNY.org for more information about plan benefits and eligibility. DOVE PEDIATRIC SERVICE DR. ROSEMARY M. JACKSON, F.A.A.P. Associates DR. ELNA R. TAMAYO-PRADO, F.A.A.P. DR. SOPHIA MORISSEAU DECAMBRE, F.A.A.P. Hospital Aliations: Methodist Hospital | SUNY Downstate Medical Center Brooklyn Hospital | Kings County Hospital 900 LENOX RD. ENT E 55 ST BROOKLYN, NY 11203 TELEPHONE: (718) 342-7733 EMERGENCY: (718) 692-9828
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