RSV

And kissing babies.

Mummy babyyy

Congratulations on your bundle of joy.

Bola says as she comes into my home, to felicitate the good news.

Hope say he no dey cry too much?

I bring small thing for you and the baby. You blush and say thank you.

You give her 2 coaster biscuits as is customary.

You tell her the baby is sleeping as you watch her arm itch to carry him.

Then you hear a cry, and you have to bring him out.

You allow Bola carry your product of 9 months after petting him to stop crying.

And what happened next sent shivers down your spine.

Did I just hear Muahhh?

And you tried to assume it was an imagination. But you saw it.

You saw Bola move her lips to your baby and kiss him.

And you didn't even know when you screamed out so loud.

Why on earth would she kiss a baby?

You raise your voice and condemn her action immediately, but she still doesn't accept that she was wrong.

Now you carefully grab your baby, show her the exit, and clean your baby's mouth.

And of course, strongly pray against RSV.

Before we go into what RSV is, let's talk.

Adult to Adult: Why are you kissing a baby?

Like what exactly do you gain from it?

Yes, the baby is so cute and you can't restrain yourself. But you can love a baby without putting him/her at risk.

Would it hurt to just carry the baby, admire its cuteness, and return it to the mother?

No. So pls stop kissing babies.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a deadly and highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract(lungs & other organs).

It causes cold-like symptoms and can be mild in adults but is usually severe in babies.

It causes a runny nose, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, and other respiratory symptoms.

According to WHO, each year RSV causes over 3.6 million hospitalizations and about 100 000 deaths in children under 5 years of age, with most deaths occurring in middle & low-income countries.

So where does kissing babies come in?

How RSV Spreads.

RSV enters the body through the eyes, mouth or nose.

This virus spreads by contact with respiratory droplets from infected persons or surfaces

The virus can survive on surfaces for hours, increasing the risk of spread.

When a baby is kissed on the lips, droplets of the infection can be transmitted.

What if you kiss the baby on the face or hands?

Babies usually put their hands over their faces and then to their mouths, still causing a transmission of the virus.

But I've only seen videos of white babies with RSV…

RSV in Nigeria.

RSV is present in Nigeria and babies here are at risk of it too. It might just be underreported.

In fact, there's also an RSV season in Nigeria, which is usually between June and October during the rainy season.

Also, Nigeria has one of the highest under-five death rates for Pneumonia—a complication of RSV.

Symptoms of RSV.

When a baby is exposed to this virus, symptoms usually appear about 4 to 6 days later.

These symptoms are more severe than in adults and older children, because babies have a weaker immune system.

• Runny nose.

• Sneezing.

• Mild cough.

• Reduced feeding.

Severe symptoms include:

• Fast or difficult breathing.

• Wheezing.

• Chest retractions (sucking in of ribs).

• Apnea (pauses in breathing).

• Poor feeding or weakness.

• Bluish lips or fingertips (cyanosis).

Complications of RSV.

RSV can result in:

• Pneumonia

• Middle ear infection.

• Asthma.

• Repeated infections.

Prevention of RSV.

RSV can be prevented by immunization in countries where the vaccine is available.

The vaccine is only available in a few countries(Nigeria not included) and is given to pregnant women and infants.

Lifestyle changes and habits can also help prevent it.

• AVOID KISSING BABIES.

• Wash hands with soap and water before touching a baby.

• Parents should keep surfaces, toys and frequently touched objects clean.

• Parents should limit visitors, especially in the first few weeks of the baby’s life.

• Do not visit babies when you're sick, even mildly.

• Breastfeeding should be encouraged to promote immunity.

And with this, we have come to the end of this Tuesday's health gist.

Thank you for reading to the end.

Don't forget to like, comment and share.

And pls stop kissing babies. If you see someone kissing a baby, pls tell them about RSV and how life-threatening it is.

Your share can save a baby.

Till another Tuesday,

Health over Tea says byeeeee.

See you in good health and wellness.

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