Protecting Premature Babies (NAPSA)—There are waysparents can help keep their prema- ture baby safe and healthy. That’s good news, considering that a premature baby is born once every 60 seconds in America and that one out of every eight babies born in the country is premature. Premature babies are particularly susceptible to lower respiratory diseases because of their underdeveloped lungs. In fact, one of the most common diseases affecting preemies is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The condi- tion is highly contagious and potentially serious if not treated mY Parents can protect premature babies from respiratory disease. correctly. to visit if they have a cold, fever or sore throat. organization that educates the public about premature babies, initial ing RSV, have symptoms. Learn them. caused by cold—but an infected and friends about what to expect According to PreemieCare, an RSV symptomsare similar to those baby can get verysick, very quickly. Infected babies develop symptoms such as difficulty breathing, difficulty eating, wheezing, rapid breathing, and a blue color around the lips. Doctors say parents of atrisk children need to act fast by Respiratory diseases, includ- Educate yourself, your family when raising a premature baby. e Secondhand smokeis bad for all children. Keep it away from your baby. Parents can also ask primary care givers about a medication that can help protect premature chil- calling their pediatrician or health care provider immediately if signs dren and those with congenital heart disease from severe RSV dis- mer President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, says learn- in a health care provider’s office once a month during the RSV season. It’s been used safely in thousands of babies worldwide. For more information about of RSV complications appear. Steve Berman, M.D., FAAP, for- ing about RSV can help parents protect their children from it. He recommends using the acronym CARESas a guideline for keeping kids safe: Clean hands before touching the baby. e Ask friends and relatives not ease. The drug, called Synagis (palivizumab), can be administered RSV, visit the PreemieCare Web site at www.MOSTonline.org or visit www.rsvprotection.com. For information about Synagis, visit www.medimmune.com. Synagis is a humanized monoclonal antibody licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. Synagis is given through a simple intramuscular injection. Synagis has been used safely in thousandsof babies. Adverse events with Synagis may include upper respiratory tract infection, ear infection, fever, and runny nose. Very rare cases ofsevere allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis (<1 case per 100,000 patients) and hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. Synagis should not be used in patients with a history ofa severe prior reaction to Synagis or its components.
