Friday, December 30, 2011
As many of you are putting away holiday decorations and enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures this week, don't let this warm Texas winter weather fool you...RSV and Flu season is still here!
Unfortunately, I heard from several NICU graduate families over the holidays who were fighting off various "bugs" this year. So, please be sure to take precautions with your little one. What can you do?
1. Be sure to get your baby's Synagis shot on-time (if he/she is receiving them).
2. Lots...and lots...and lots...of handwashing!
3. Avoid large crowds (as much as possible).
4. Clean surface areas around your home with disinfectants frequently.
5. Do not allow anyone with cold or flu symptoms around your high-risk baby.
Check out these links for symptom information and recent RSV stats:
http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html
http://txpeds.org/sites/txpeds.org/files/documents/RSV-and-Flu-11262011.pdf
Stay Healthy!
Julie Hudson, MSN, RN
NCBH NICU
It is the season of gift-giving....and it is also a busy baby shower season! But, what about gift-giving to a family whose baby is in the NICU? Many people find this to be a challenge because the baby is too small or too ill for clothing, toys, etc. and no one knows what size the baby will be by the time he/she gets to go home. Our NICU parents, however, still need all of the wonderful things that are typically received at a shower. So, I did a little research (and based on a little NICU RN experience), I came up with a few suggestions for you:
*NICU-specific or Preemie memory books, scrapbook kits, etc. (These are available online through several resources.)
*Personalized receiving blankets....many times these can be used in the baby's isolette while in the hospital and they add a personal touch to his/her bed.
*Gift cards....for use later when baby comes home or for restaurants near the hospital since the parents will be there so often!
*Gas cards! For many families, the daily travel to and from the hospital really adds up.
What else can you suggest? I'm sure that some of our NICU Grad families have some great ideas, so drop me an email (by clicking on my name below) or click on the "comments" link.
Happy Holidays!
Julie Hudson, MSN, RN
NCBH NICU