There’s nothing worse than a sick baby, and parents everywhere should be informed of the dangers of airborne viruses. Two of the most common culprits are influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Though both are well known to (and oft experienced by) adults, each can pose huge threats to young babies. Follow these tips to safeguard your baby from unwelcome germs.
Flu
“In the U.S., the flu season is really October through March or April, and the peak is usually February,” says Kevin Ault, MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and medical adviser to the national nonprofit organization Families Fighting Flu. Infected persons can pass influenza through the air easily when coughing or sneezing, and since symptoms sometimes resemble the common cold, they may unknowingly spread the virus to others. Babies who partake in social activities such as playdates, school or daycare, or who interact with older siblings need to be especially careful in terms of exposure.
The first symptom of the flu is usually a sudden onset of fever (typically 101
