Taking care of a newborn is a task that requires a lot of dedication and care, even more so when it comes to a premature baby, that is, when the baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation¹. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that about 15 million premature babies are born each year, a number that continues to rise over time². In fact, in our country —according to the Ministry of Health (Minsa)— from January to October 2022, 27,383 premature births have been reported, which represents 6.89% of all babies born³.
It is essential to give special attention to these little ones, since they can be exposed to various risk factors that can cause complications in them, such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, brain hemorrhage, temperature control problems, weakened immune system, among others. However, these risks can be largely controlled with proper medical and family care.
Precisely because they are babies that have the possibility of growing up healthy, AstraZeneca developed the #SoyPrematuroSoyUnDuro campaign, which is focused on demystifying prematurity. This is a pedagogy and awareness initiative that seeks to give hope and empower mothers and families who are going through a similar process today.
Premature babies should be protected from Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common seasonal virus that infects 90% of children in the first two years of life⁸ and is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections among children worldwide⁹. The WHO estimates that RSV is responsible for more than 60% of acute respiratory infections in all children¹⁰.
Although RSV usually causes mild cold-like symptoms¹¹, such as low-grade fever, cough, and congestion, babies born prematurely are at increased risk of more serious RSV infection¹². Therefore, prevention is essential. Caregivers can take certain steps to help protect their baby during this virus season¹³:
– Wash hands frequently.
– Avoid crowds and other small children, especially those who have a cold or fever.
– Keep toys, clothes, blankets and sheets clean.
“Mom, I’m here to stay”
“Mom, I’m here to stay” is an illustrated story that is part of the #SoyPrematuroSoyUnDuro campaign, built with testimonials from moms who have gone through this situation. This story is a tool that seeks to give hope and inspire families who are going through the challenge and satisfaction of living the experience of having a premature baby. know it here.
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References:
¹ Taken from: Premature births. Available in: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
² Taken from: WHO. 2018. Preterm births. Available in: https://www.who.int/es/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth#:~:text=Se%20considera%20prematuros%20un%20beb%C3%A9,prematuros%20(28 %20to%2032%20weeks)
³ Taken from: Ministry of Health Government of Peru. Available at: Taken from: Andina. 2022. Minsa implements the kangaroo method in hospitals nationwide. Available in: https://andina.pe/agencia/noticia-minsa-implementa-metodo-canguro-hospitales-a-nivel-nacional-905225.aspx
⁴ Taken from: Medlineplus, Premature baby. Available in: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/ency/article/001562.htm accessed September 16, 2022
⁵ Taken from: Healthy Children, caring for a premature baby, what parents need to know. In https://www.healthychildren.org/Spanish/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Paginas/caring-for-a-premature-baby.aspx accessed September 16, 2022
⁶ Taken from: Healthy Children. Health problems of premature babies. Available in: https://www.healthychildren.org/Spanish/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Paginas/health-issues-of-premature-babies.aspx
⁷ Taken from: Healthy Children. Developmental milestones of the premature baby. Available in: https://www.healthychildren.org/Spanish/ages-stages/baby/preemie/Paginas/Preemie-Milestones.aspx
⁸ Glezen WP et al. Am J Dis Child. 1986;140(6):543-546; Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis; Pediatric Rev. 2014;35(12):519-530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519. Collins et al. Journal of Virology. 2008:2040–2055.
⁹ Rossi GA, Colin AA. Infantile respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus infections: respective role in inception and persistence of wheezing. Eur Respir J.2015;45(3):774-789. doi:10.1183/09031936.00062714
¹⁰ Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis. Pediatric Rev. 2014;35(12):519-530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519
¹¹ Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis. Pediatric Rev. 2014;35(12):519-530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519
¹² Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis. Pediatric Rev. 2014;35(12):519-530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519; Goldstein M, Phillips R, DeVincenzo JP, et al. National Perinatal Association 2018 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Clinical Practice Guideline: an evidence-based interdisciplinary collaboration. Neonatology Today. 2017;12:1-27.
¹³ Piedimonte G, Perez MK. Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchiolitis. Pediatric Rev. 2014;35(12):519-530. doi:10.1542/pir.35-12-519
