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The Department of Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center Addresses RSV Concerns Among Infants Livingston, N.J. -- RSV, which stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is an easily spread virus most common from fall to spring. While most babies who get RSV just get what seems like a cold, it can cause pneumonia and other lung problems. In severe cases it can sometimes even lead to death. Babies born prematurely (at 35 weeks or less) and babies born with heart disease or chronic lung disease are at greater risk for RSV. Signs of RSV include stuffy/runny nose, sneezing and a fever. Severe RSV can include wheezing, coughing, and trouble breathing. “You might also see difficulty eating, drinking or sleeping,” explains Susan J. Margolin, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of General Pediatrics at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “If the baby's skin color is blue or gray or you see any of these other severe symptoms, let your doctor know right away.” The best protection against RSV it to have everyone wash his or her hands before touching your baby. You can also:
“A medication called Synagis® is a shot that can be given by your nurse or doctor to help protect high-risk babies from severe RSV disease,” says Dr. Margolin. “Babies who need Synagis will get monthly shots during RSV season.” Insurance coverage for Synagis outside the hospital varies by insurance plan and can be a frustrating process. Working with your doctor is a great plan of action. For some helpful hints you can also go to http://synagis.com/insurance.aspx. You can also get insurance information and support by calling the following:
Lastly, you can obtain more information about RSV and Synagis through your baby's doctor, or by calling 1-877-633-4411. Since 1865, Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC), located at 94 Old Short Hills Road in Livingston, is New Jersey's oldest nonprofit, nonsectarian hospital. The 597-bed institution is one of the largest heath care providers in the state, treating more than 37,000 inpatients and over 75,000 Emergency Department patients each year. The Medical Center and the Saint Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center provide treatment and services for more than 300,000 outpatient visits annually. SBMC is ranked among the top five percent of hospitals in the country for Overall Clinical Performance by HealthGrades and is the recipient of the HealthGrades 2008 and 2007 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ and the 2007 and 2008 HealthGrades Excellence Award™ in Cardiac Care, Bariatric Surgery, Maternity Care, and Women's Health. SBMC was also chosen as the best hospital in New Jersey and the 13th best hospital in the United States by AARP Modern Maturity magazine. For more information on Saint Barnabas Medical Center, please visit saintbarnabas.com and select Saint Barnabas Medical Center from the facilities list or call l-888-SBHS-123. Date: December 11, 2008 Saint Barnabas Contact: Samantha Anton, 973-322-5425 [ top ] |
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