Our baby girl who was born at 33 wks is now almost 3 weeks past her due date and has nearly doubled her birth weight, so she has been doing well. She never had any problems, even right after she was born. She was only in NICU one week and then we brought her home. Her dr told us we could start taking her to church, but to just be careful and keep her with us and not let others hold and pass her around. I have no trouble telling people no if they ask to hold. We took her yesterday, and a few times people (mainly men and children who don't think about it) tried touching her hands...I would grab them and try to keep my hands around hers to prevent it but it still happened some. Then I washed them off as soon as I could. I am just still nervous because RSV I hear is still going around really bad where we live. So I am wondering if we should even be getting her out, even though we are careful. We have been in the house for 2 months, and I am ready for her to get out, especially with the weather being so pretty now. But I am scared of RSV...are there any early symptoms if she were to pick it up that we could catch it before it got really bad? Is sneezing anything to worry about? Our 5 year old son goes 2 days a week to preschool and we give him a bath as soon as he comes in the door. But I am wondering also about her being around other kids-as in family coming over and such.

Firstly congrats on the little one, glad she is home from the NICU and doing well. I understand where you are coming from as my nephew spend 9-10 weeks in PICU (NICU was full) and is currently still on low flow oxygen at home.

The rules that were implemented for visiting my nephew was that if anyone had a cough, runny nose, unusual headaches, achey muscles, fever/temperature, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea and any other cold symptoms are not allowed to visit as it could put him at risk of catching it and this applies to everyone! if you rock up and are unwell you will be turned away doesn't matter if you have travelled to visit him. There is also a sign at the door reminding people of this rule.

You could also ask if your church is willing to put an antibacterial gel pump at the entrance for all patrons to use. You could also ask if they are willing to inform the church community about the outbreak of RSV within your town and that it is important to try reduce the spread by not attending if they have any symptoms as well as regularly washing hands or using antibacterial gels. Your sons preschool may also be able to assist with implementing this rule to by not allowing children who are sick attend for the day as well as regular cleaning of the toys with antibacterial soap.

I would also suggest that you not allow your son to take any of his toys to preschool and if he does for show and tell or something that you wash it when he is home to try remove any germs as well as washing his hands.

I would recommend that when you do take baby out with you have antibacterial wipes and gel (you can get alcohol free gel which is safer for baby as they like to suck on their hands) so you can wipe down anything you and baby may touch e.g. shopping trolleys. Also if people want to touch baby ask that they use the gel first to clean their hands or if they appear to be sick just politely say sorry you cant touch her as she is high infectious risk and therefore is more likely to catch infections.

Early symptoms of RSV are somewhat similar to that of common colds, like runny nose, cough and low grade fever as the virus develops the cough will get worse and they will become breathless/work harder to breath as well as have a wheeze. The baby will also be irritable and not interested in feeding much. I suggest that if your baby seems a bit off you take her to her doctor as they may be able to pick something up early if she does have something. It's better to be safe than sorry.

I hope this is helpful and sorry for the essay

When my son was born I was a germ-a-phobe, especially since he was born at the peak of cold and flu season. Something I found helpful at church and in public was to wear him in a carrier in front of me (I useda moby wrap) and people were less likely to touch him that way since he was in such close proximity to me. Also, since the weatheris getting warmer, taking her on walks and to parks at the times when it is likely to be less crowded might help in limiting her exposure to others and help you not lose your sanity from staying holed-up at home. The fresh air will help both of you .

It seems to me like you are taking all necessary precautions and doing all the right things. Keep on doing what you know