Springing forward

I usually despise the day we move the clocks forward.  There never seems to be a good time to lose an hours sleep.  But this year I am a little less unhappy about it than normal because it means we are getting close to the end of RSV season.

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a respiratory infection caused by germs transmitted in the air or on surfaces on which those who are infected come into contact.  Most kids will have been infected by this virus by age 2 or 3, usually causing common cold-like symptoms in those who are healthy.

But it can be deadly for kids with respiratory insufficiency like Zachary.   A child like him who gets RSV usually ends up in intensive care on a ventilator with higher than normal oxygen until resulting lung inflammation subsides.  So parents of children with compromised respiratory systems are urged to avoid enclosed public places during RSV season, which runs from October to April. 

This precaution normally means few public outings during the late fall and early winter since it is usually too cold to venture outdoors.  Places like malls, restaurants, and places with other kids are to be avoided.  Fortunately, we've had such a mild winter that we've been able to go on walks and get fresh air so we haven't been prisoners in our own home, as often happens with parents of preemies trying to avoid this dreaded bug.

Some who have chronic lung disease like our little guy also get a man-made antibody called Synagis, which inhibits the entry of the RSV protein into the cells, preventing the infection.  So Zachary gets a shot of this stuff once a month for seven months, until RSV season is over.  He's had this protocol administered each of his first two RSV seasons, and probably will the next one too.  Zachary doesn't like the shot, which he gets in his thigh.  And it is crazy expensive, like in the neighborhood of $3,000 to $4,000 per shot.  Thank goodness for insurance!

So this year as we spring forward we're eagerly anticipating some family outings to places that have to this point been off limits.  Makes the lost hour a bit more bearable.  That and coffee.