Patient Story - Hazel Blamey

Although Hazel Blamey was born premature and spent a few days in the Special Care Nursery at Licking Memorial Hospital, her parents, Kianna and Cody, were pleased to note that she was happy and healthy.  Hazel was on-track, meeting the milestones of an infant born at 37 weeks.  In February, Hazel’s older sister developed a cold, and soon Hazel too was exhibiting signs of illness, including sniffling and a stuffy nose.

“I became concerned about Hazel’s cold when it seemed she was struggling to breathe,” Kianna shared.  “I made an appointment to visit a Licking Memorial Health Systems pediatrician as soon as possible.”

During the visit, Hazel was tested for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.  Virtually all children will have been exposed to the virus by two years of age, and many may be reinfected during their lifetime.  The virus typically causes common cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing.  Those infected typically recover in a week or two; however, RSV can be serious.  Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.  

Symptoms of RSV are similar to other commonly known viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, or coronavirus.  RSV causes annual outbreaks of respiratory illnesses in all age groups.  In most regions of the United States, RSV season begins in the fall and peaks in the winter.  The timing and severity of RSV season in a given community can vary from year to year.  The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted normal transmission patterns of RSV, leading recently to more unusual, “out of season” exposures and infections. 

Hazel tested positive for RSV.  The pediatrician explained that treatment generally involves self-care measures, such as plenty of rest and staying hydrated, to keep Hazel comfortable during the infection.  Kianna was instructed to carefully monitor Hazel’s condition and take her to the Hospital if the fever, cough, or difficulty breathing worsened.  The sleep monitor that the family uses includes an oxygen sensor.  Hazel’s level was low, and Kianna became concerned about Hazel’s breathing.  They took her to the Licking Memorial Hospital Emergency Department where she was admitted for care.   

“The physicians and nurses explained again that there is not much that can be done to treat a virus.  They monitored Hazel very closely, and a respiratory therapist would provide breathing treatments every four hours,” Kianna said.  “We were able to be with her throughout her three day stay in the Hospital and were pleased with the quality care she received.”

The staff at LMH showed Kianna and Cody how to use a special home breathing machine and administer medication to ease the symptoms so that they could return home with Hazel.  She has fully recovered and is now back on-track, meeting the milestones for an infant her age.  

“It is important for parents to trust their instincts,” Kianna advised.  “I knew something was not right.  Hazel had not been ill before, and I knew something serious was causing her discomfort.  We stayed vigilant and made sure to transport her to the Hospital immediately when we determined her oxygen levels were low.  We are grateful that she received the care she needed and is now fully recovered and doing well.”

RSV is highly contagious.  Each year, an estimated 58,000 to 80,000 children younger than five years old are hospitalized due to RSV infection.  Preventing the spread of RSV is vital.  The most important practice that can significantly reduce the spread of RSV is handwashing.  Good hand hygiene includes frequently washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.  RSV can live on unwashed hands for 30 minutes or more.  Frequent cleaning of countertops, tables, toys, and door knobs can also eliminate live viruses which can exist on these surfaces for up to 24 hours.  Follow the suggestions below as well:

• Cover coughs and sneezes 
• Avoid close contact with others who are ill
• Avoid touching the face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Limiting day care attendance has been recommended but this is often hard for some families
• Avoid secondhand smoke – smoking increases the risk of contracting RSV and many other lung ailments

This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended several new preventive options to help protect individuals at highest risk for getting severe RSV illness.  Vaccines are available for adults 60 or older.  For children, two main options exist to help prevent young infants from getting severe RSV.  One is an antibody product given to the infant.  The other is an RSV vaccine for pregnant women to help protect the baby from birth through 6 months of age.  Both are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  

| Posted On : 6/6/2024 10:31:44 AM