Emma was back at CHEO on Friday to have her first Synagis injection of the RSV season. RSV is a very common virus which causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children. However, in high-risk children (including very premature infants or babies born with certain heart or lung problems), RSV can quickly become serious and even life-threatening.
We had been concerned that Emma might not qualify for the shots this season (the shots are very expensive — over $1000 per month — and are typically only given to preemies during their first winter), but thankfully Emma was approved for the injections for another season and will receive the monthly shots free-of-charge from now ’til April or May.
While we were at CHEO a nurse mentioned that some children have already been admitted with confirmed cases of RSV. Last season, CHEO didn’t see the first cases until January. I hope this doesn’t mean this season will be particulary bad.
While the shots help to protect preemies from RSV they don’t guarantee the babies won’t catch it, so you may not see much of us for the next several months as we’ll be back in “hibernation mode” trying to avoid the viruses and keep Emma as healthy as possible.
We’re already looking forward to spring!
P.S. Emma weighed in at a “hefty” 19.5 lbs. last week…. That’s a loooong way from the 3.5 pound baby she was at this time last year 
