The R eally S cary V irus
A Tale for New Moms and Their Families
Copyright © 2024 by The Books for Healing Partnership, Inc.
Published by Patient Books Press, an imprint of United Writers Press www.PatientBooks.org
Story by The Books for Healing Partnership, Inc.
Illustrations by Molly Kokoszka and Vally Sharpe.
“Morrie and Dorothy” is a trademark of Jeffrey J. Lefko. “Queen Doula B” is a trademark of GLO-Preemies, Inc.
Printed in Canada by Premier Printing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
To the parents of young children everywhere (and their parents and grandparents too)
“Yoo hoo!” called the always colorful Queen Doula B. “I dropped by to see if there’s anything I can do to help you!”
“Come
on in,” said Dorothy. “I’m in the kitchen.”
Queen Doula B sat down at the table. Dorothy put on a kettle for tea and sat down too. “How’s the little one doing?” asked Queen Doula B.
“Jamie’s doing great,” said Dorothy. “Eating well, growing fast. She’s had a little sniffle over the past few days, but it hasn’t seemed to slow her down.”
About that time, they heard the front door open and close. Then London and Aiden burst into the room with Nana.
“Guess what!” said London. “Half our class was out sick today!”
“I wondered what was going on,” said Nana.
Queen Doula B looked at Dorothy. “I bet it’s RSV. When Jamie was in the NICU, did they give her a shot? It’s a good idea for brand new babies to have one, especially those who hatch early.”
“Oh, yes,” said Dorothy. “It was one of the first things they did after Jamie hatched. Our NICU team was top notch.”
Aiden and London looked at each other. “What’s RSV?” said Aiden.
“It stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus , but around here, We call it the ‘Really Scary Virus,’” said their mother. London frowned. “Does that mean WE have to get a shot?”
“I don’t think so,” said Dorothy. “I think you had a shot in the NICU. Plus, you and Aiden may have had mild cases of RSV when you were little. So even if you DID catch it, your strong healthy bodies will keep you from getting really sick.”
The front door opened again. “Hey, I’m home!” called London and Aiden’s dad, Morrie Stork.
“Honey, please close that door!” said Dorothy. “We’ll all get colds!” “Or RSV!” said London.
Morrie closed the door and dried his feet. “Did I hear somebody say RSV? What are you talking about?” he said.
“Queen Doula B stopped by to check on Jamie,” said Dorothy. “And then Nana and the kids came home. Half the kids in Aiden and London’s class were absent from school today.”
“I’ve heard there’s a lot of RSV going around,” said Queen Doula B.
“I heard that too,” Morrie said. “Plus, this morning, everybody at the office got a memo saying that before we can deliver any babies, especially from the NICU, we have to have proof that they’ve been given an RSV shot.” MEMO DATE: TODAY TO: ALL BABY
NEW POLICY! EFFECTIVE
UNLESS PROOF IS PROVIDED THAT A BABY HAS RECEIVED AN RSV VACCINE, NO MEMBER OF THE BABY EXPRESS DELIVERY STAFF WILL BE ALLOWED TO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION.
SINCERELY, MANAGEMENT
“Hey, Dad,” said Aiden, “since most of our class is sick, can WE stay home from school tomorrow?”
Morrie smiled. “No, Aiden. You’re not sick. But I have another idea. I think there’s still just enough light left for us to build a snowstork and a snowpelican before dinner.”
Aiden and London raced for the door, pulling their dad behind them.
As soon as they closed the door, Queen Doula B turned to Nana. “I don’t mean to be rude, Miss Nana, but have YOU had an RSV vaccine? It’s not good for older pelicans and storks to catch the virus either.”
“No,” said Nana. “But I think I’ll go to the drug store and get my RSV shot on the way home! That way when I pick Aiden and London up from school tomorrow, I’ll be protected too.” She reached in her pouch. “And just so you know, I carry a mask and some hand sanitizer with me wherever I go.”
They heard a squawk from the other room and out toddled Jamie.
“Is she flying yet?” asked Queen Doula B. “Not quite,” said Dorothy, “but I expect her to take off any day now.”
“Well, I guess I’ll be going,” said Queen Doula B. “Just remember, RSV can look like a bad cold. But colds usually get better. RSV can cause a high fever…a little stork or pelican’s appetite or activity levels may go down.”
Dorothy looked out the window at her children and husband playing in the snow.
“I think we’re okay for now,” she said.
The door opened and in rushed London, followed by Aiden and Morrie.
“Mom, guess what? Dad said if we’re all careful about RSV, when spring break comes, we can fly south to the beach where you and he grew up!”
Dorothy glanced up at one of her favorite pictures and smiled. “I think that’s a great idea,” she said.
“Just think,” said Queen Doula B. “Then you’ll have a brand new picture to hang on the wall!”
“Queen Doula B, we don’t want to mess up and miss our spring break trip. What can we do in the meantime to try and make sure that none of us gets sick?” said Morrie.
“Well, Morrie, there’s no guarantee. But if we all make sure to wash our hands and wear masks indoors where there are lots of people, most of us will be okay.
“But the most important thing we can do is make sure new babies—especially babies who hatch early like Jamie and spend time in the NICU—get shots. Then RSV won’t be nearly as scary.”
Parents (and grandparents), that’s the end of the story, but please keep reading for more information about Respiratory Syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) Virus (RSV) and help with talking to your doctor.
You are not alone!
Whether you are a first-time parent or growing your family, there is so much you cannot control. That’s why it’s important to gather the information your team needs to make the best decisions for your infant or toddler.
In the following pages you will find some information and resources to help you advocate for your child to reduce the risks of their contracting a severe case of RSV. This will give you the ability to talk to your child’s doctor with confidence.
REMEMBER…
Knowledge is Power!
Is your baby or toddler at risk for RSV?
Certain things in your life may put your infant or toddler at higher risk of getting RSV. We call these “risk factors.” Below are just some that have been identified.
Some risk factors that may put you at elevated risk include:
◆Premature infants
◆Infants up to 12 months, especially those 6 months and younger
◆Children younger than 2 years with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
◆Children with weakened immune systems
◆Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucous secretions 1
Did you know?
Those with weakened immune systems, the youngest and the oldest populations, are at higher risk for RSV. So, remind grandparents to get their RSV, flu vaccines, and COVID vaccines too.
1 Centers for Disease Control Website. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children. html. Accessed 11/21/23
Symptoms of RSV
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV infection usually include:
Runny nose
Decrease in appetite
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing
These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity, and breathing difficulties.
Almost all children will have an RSV infection by their second birthday. If you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms,2 CALL YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER
2 Centers for Disease Control Website. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/symptoms.html Accessed 11/21/23
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
My child was born prematurely. What medicines are available to protect my child from getting a severe case of RSV?
My child has older siblings. Do I need to keep them apart during RSV season? Is it okay for my children’s friends to still come over and play? What do I do when they come home from school or daycare?
My child has grandparents who want to visit him/her. What should they do prior to visiting to keep both themselves and my child safe? LEARN MORE ABOUT
Scan this code with your phone camera to read additional information.
Is my baby at risk for severe RSV?
Check any or all that apply to your situation. Note: If you check any of the boxes, it does NOT mean that your baby will definitely get RSV. However, it’s a good idea for you to discuss with your NICU team and/or pediatricians what you can do to prevent a severe case of RSV. Take this book or tear out this page and take it with you when you visit your healthcare professionals.
My baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks).
I have other children who are of daycare/school age.
My baby has chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease. (Congenital means diagnosed at birth.)
A simple RSV prevention injection can mean the difference between a healthy winter and one spent in the hospital. Ask your doctor today what you can do to prevent your child’s having a severe case of RSV.
Recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Beyfortus has also been added to the approved immunization schedule. This means that it may be available at no cost for parents through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program and many private health insurance companies.
Parent Notes
My baby’s name: _______________________________
My baby’s DOB: _______________________________
Date of my baby’s RSV shot: ___________________
Put a √ in the box beside when your baby was born (or is due to be born) and read the paragraph below. Share with your doctor or healthcare professional.
Fall through Spring (October to March)
If October to March, when RSV is most active, get an injection for your baby at birth if at all possible. Ask your doctor about it.
Spring or Summer (April – September)
If your baby was born between April and September, ask your pediatrician which upcoming well-check visit would be best for the RSV shot.
