RS-What?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is one of my most despised acronyms. Those close to me know that these three letters rule my life, at least for 7 months out of the year.

Everyone loves a good medical lesson, right? Respiratory Syncytial (pronounced sin-sit-ee-al) Virus is a lower respiratory tract infection that causes an infection of the lungs and breathing passages. It acts like a common cold in most children and adults, but can lead to more serious illnesses in premature babies.

What's so terrible about RSV?

• It's the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children worldwide
• Virtually all children contract it by the age of three
• There is a broad spectrum of RSV infection ranging from mild to fatal
• It's the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants
• It often plays a major role in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Those with a history of prematurity have increased risk of developing serious RSV infection
• It spreads easily from person to person through contact with respiratory secretions

How easily is it spread? In addition to being spread by secretions, it also lives on surfaces and unwashed skin for hours. Another factor making the spread of RSV almost unavoidable is the period of viral shedding which may occur up to eight days before symptoms become apparent and last as long as four weeks in children under the age of one.

With Texas' RSV season starting October 1st, I was busy seeing friends with babies before we were required to stay home with very limited exposure to children and those who are sick (or have been exposed to someone who is sick). The babies and I loved our little playdates and will really miss them. We will also miss our little outings, errands, playgroup activities and visits to the park. We are already dreaming about our days of freedom come May 1st. Here are just a few pics of our recent get togethers with friends:

Ella, fun and full of energy, second from left. (mom Anni C.)

Sweet, sweet Charlotte on left. (mom Robin N.)

Logan, Payson's buddy in our 'hood, first on left (mom Cathy G.)

Neighbor-hood playgroup

Big smile from Matthew at playgroup. He and Hayden really hit it off.

Precious Lezon triplets, EJ, Anna and Issac, first three on left (mom Allison)

God's miracle, Miles, with his mom Lindsay N. and Payson who just loved him.

Aunt Chelsey and cousins Mikayla and Chloe with Payson and Hayden.

Adorable 8-week-old Braden with mom Morgan B. and Payson who is coming after the camera

Hayden playing with her girl Reese and mom Anna W.

Also, last week we celebrated our niece Emma's 1st birthday, which was lots of fun. And today we had a special visit from our good friend Katie who finally got to meet the babies.

STRANGER QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
(While out running an errand with the babies in the triplet stroller)
"Do you really have three babies?"
I get what he was asking but I still wanted to answer with, "No, they are pretend."