Cold Season Rules at the Hallinan House

The doctor's office is working on getting Annelise approved (insurance) for the shots to prevent RSV.  She is too young to get the flu shot, as it's only effective from 6 months and older.

Some information on RSV and why we're being vigilant to protect little A from it:

Nearly every child has had the RSV virus at least once by age two. For babies born full-term and without complications, it is typically a bad cold. But, the highest risk factors for contracting RSV and developing complications like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and other sometimes fatal complications are: being born premature, being born with a lung condition, or being born with a heart condition.  Annelise is at a high risk!  Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Thus, we must be vigilant about keeping Annelise safe during RSV season (October through April). The virus is spread through physical contact, in the air via a cough or sneeze, or by touching an infected object. The virus can live as long as six hours on hands, and up to twelve hours on objects. If Annelise contracts RSV she will likely be hospitalized since she does not have the necessary immunities to fight off infection like the rest of us. Last year alone, over 125,000 infants in the US were hospitalized due to complications from contracting RSV.

At our house, please be prepared to take off your shoes and wash your hands upon entering our home.  Use the antibacterial hand gel frequently also.  Please refrain from coming over if you are currently experiencing any illness symptoms, or have been in close contact with anyone showing symptoms.  If you haven't had a flu shot, please refrain from visiting. (I mean, it just makes sense to get a flu shot.  Who wants to be sick?!?!)

Please do not let these precautions frighten you or stop you from making contact with our family. They are simple precautions that every loving parent with a fighter like ours must take during this season. 

THANKS!