The weather is cooling off in many areas around the country. Aside from concerns about COVID-19, parents of NICU babies now have the added worry about RSV: respiratory syncytial virus, a dangerous virus that is especially harmful to premature and medically fragile children.
This week we're sharing our latest NICU Now podcast episode, "All About RSV," with guest Dr. Tara Gonzales. Then keep reading to learn more about how you can stay safe from RSV, attend an important presentation from the Maternal Health Equity Collaboration, and watch a special message from Hand to Hold founder Kelli Kelley.
New Podcast Episode! All About RSV
For most children and adults, contracting RSV isn't an issue. In these cases, RSV often mimics the common cold. However, for premature or immunocompromised children, RSV can cause severe infection that requires immediate medical treatment.
Here to talk with us about RSV and the symptoms to look out for is Dr. Tara Gonzales. Dr. Gonzales is the National Physician Lead for Synagis Franchise at Sobi North America.
Kelli and Mike Kelley would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Hand to Hold over the past decade and to all who bid, purchased, or donated during our 10th Anniversary Online Celebration. While we wish we could have celebrated with each of you in person, we are thankful to have such a wonderful community behind us.
Thank you for your support and generosity as we strive to give a Hand to Hold to every NICU family today, tomorrow, and in the weeks and months to come! If you did not have a chance to donate, but would still like to, please visit us at handtohold.org/donate.
Tips for Enduring Quarantine & Isolation During RSV Season
We asked some veteran NICU parents for their best tips for enduring isolation during RSV season. What kept them sane? How did their daily routines change? How did they approach this sensitive topic with friends and family? Here are their answers. Bonus: These tips are also helpful in managing your expectations during COVID-19!
The Truth in Numbers: BIPOC Birthing During COVID-19
Hand to Hold is a supporting organization for the Maternal Health Equity Collaboration. Join us on Thursday, October 22, as they share their Maternal Health Equity Report, assessing the unique needs of pregnant people during COVID-19, specifically Black women and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) families.
"My Family Support Specialist, Suzy, validated my feelings and made me feel like I had someone in my corner. Thank you so much for providing such a vital service I never knew was needed until now."
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Copy%20of%20NICU%20Now%20Episode%2030%20twitter%20(1).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=400&upscale=true&name=HuggiesBrandLogoRedWhiteBKG%20(1).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=400&upscale=true&name=AS_horizontallGRAY_NEW%20(1).png)
