Monday, January 18, 2010

RSV Finally Darkens Our Doorstep

Remember RSV? If you take a look back at our post from 27 September 2008 you'll see some of our first discussion about this nasty bug. Back then, RSV would have almost certainly meant a speedy trip back to the hospital for M&M for another lengthy stay. Concern for RSV was so significant back then that the kids received monthly immunization shots to the tune of about g-note each for every dose. Well worth it. (Thanks again to TriCare.)

Well, a few days ago, Milo started to acquire what appeared to be another basic cold. His cough became more persistent, he developed a fairly low grade fever (about 100), and after listening to some pretty intense coughing overnight we decided to pay a visit to the pediatrician today. It didn't take the doctor long to diagnose the problem -- it seems RSV has been making the rounds for the past week and she had already seen several cases over the last few days.

The good news. Despite a lot of well-deserved hysteria last year, Milo was in pretty good shape. His lungs sounded ok, and there was no plan at all for a hospital visit. Other than sitting through three nebulizer sessions a day for the next few days (which, by the way, are pretty awful) the RSV should pass in another few days without much more to it. Poor Milo absolutely hates the nebulizer, so hopefully he'll get over it quickly.

Although Milo passed the RSV to Dad (which is basically just an annoying head cold for me), neither Maddy nor Elaine has shown any symptoms at all. Given how contagious RSV is, and the fact that the twins share pretty much everything, it's pretty surprising. I wouldn't bet on it lasting. We have a trip to Tahoe planned for the end of the month, so hopefully it will be well past by then.

3 comments:

R P Lemieux said...

I'm a little late here (I read the blog intermittently these days) but I wanted to share my condolences on the nebulizer. James has been on and off one since he was about 10 months old, and there have been times we've had to physically hold him down until it finishes. The pediatrician tried to reassure us that when he's that upset and crying he's breathing hard and getting more medicine, but it was no comfort to us. HOWEVER, I can report that just like other phases, James outgrew it and now gladly sits on the couch holding his own face mask as long as we get a good kids' tv show On Demand (pretty much the only time he watches tv, but it works). He likes Nick Jr.'s Jack's Music Show or Yo Gabba Gabba if you are looking for suggestions. Good luck, I hope it passes quickly without any more of you getting sick. (and this is Sarah writing even though it will come up as Ray's name.)

Unknown said...

Thanks Sarah (and Ray)! Milo and Maddy are both on the nebulizer now. Their attitude toward the thing ranges from complete revolt to resigned acceptance. For now, they only seem interested in the Wiggles - but man do they ever love watching the Wiggles. We'll have to try out some other shows though...

jdrugrats said...

Oh no! Give Milo a big healthy hug for me! I wish I lived closer so, I could help you out and maybe let you get some sleep because I know you probably aren't! Hope the poor little guy gets over this quick! Miss you all!