If your baby is born prematurely or with medical concerns, you have likely heard of respiratory syncytial virus. This serious illness is one that demands proper care. In some cases, it can be fatal. For the parents who have to deal with a positive RSV test, getting the care they need for their child is a priority. This can mean spending time in the hospital.
Because the symptoms of RSV mimic those of the common cold, babies who are likely to suffer from the virus need to have a nasal swab done to confirm the virus. This can help doctors differentiate between the common cold and RSV.
A baby who is hospitalized for RSV will likely need to receive fluids to prevent dehydration. Breathing treatments and other supportive care might also be necessary. It is important that these babies are watched very carefully while they are in the hospital.
Since RSV is a highly contagious virus, it is imperative that any hospital with an RSV case admitted take proper steps to avoid the transmission of the virus to a baby that can't properly fight the virus. This means ensuring that neonatal intensive care units are free of the virus and that proper isolation precautions are taken if there is a baby in the unit with the virus.
When a baby contracts RSV at a hospital or isn't cared for properly after an RSV diagnosis, the parents might opt to seek compensation. This might help cover the costs of medical care that the parent's weren't prepared for. It can also hold the facility, doctors, and other liable parties accountable for the errors at hand.
Source: KidsHealth from Nemours, "Respiratory Syncytial Virus," accessed Feb. 03, 2017
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