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In the United States, 1 out of 8 babies are born prematurely and Worldwide, 15 million babies are born too early each year. November 17th is World Prematurity Day, A day to honor the more than 1 million babies who died worldwide this year because they were born too soon and the 14 million who struggle to survive.  World Prematurity Day also help raise awareness about premature births. Even with the large preemie births every year many parents are unaware of prematurity - the leading cause of neonatal death.

When a baby is born to soon, their critical organs such as their lungs and immune system do not have enough time to fully develop. These babies face serious medical complications and can spend weeks or months in the NICU. Because their immune systems and lungs are not fully developed, preemies have a greater chance at developing infections and respiratory issues.


RSV is contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, often causing relatively minor symptoms that mimic the common cold. However, preemies are most at risk for developing much more serious symptoms, including a serious respiratory infection (severe RSV disease) from the virus, because their lungs are underdeveloped and they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection. Below are a few quick facts about RSV that every parent should know.

RSV Quick Facts

• RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, and severe RSV disease causes up to 10 times as many infant deaths each year as the flu.
• RSV is most prevalent during the winter months. The CDC has defined the “RSV season” as
  beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.
• In addition to prematurity, common risk factors include low birth weight, certain lung or heart
• diseases, a family history of asthma and frequent contact with other children.

Prematurity and RSV in the U.S. Hispanic Community

• The current rate of preterm births in the U.S. Hispanic community is 11.66 percent. Since 2006, the preterm rate has declined 5 percent for Hispanic infants.
• Data indicate that infants from U.S. Hispanic communities are at increased risk to develop
  severe RSV disease; while the exact reason for the increased risk is unknown, the increased prematurity rate is likely a contributing factor.
• Two-thirds of U.S. Hispanic mothers have never heard of RSV, and one in five U.S. Hispanic
• moms only becomes aware of RSV once their child has contracted the virus.

Prevention is Key
RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Since there’s no treatment for RSV, parents should take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:

• Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently
• Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid large crowds and people who are or have been sick
• Never let anyone smoke near your baby
• Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy
• may be available

Know the Symptoms
Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:

• Severe coughing, wheezing or rapid gasping breaths
• Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails
• High fever and extreme fatigue