An emotional dad has issued an appeal to parents of newborn babies to regularly wash their hands before handling their children.
The emotional appeal comes as an Imgur user told his story of how his little girl temporarily “flatlined” after contracting RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). The distraught father also posted two photos of his baby daughter to the website along with a brief heartfelt message explaining of how a series of potentially fatal conditions left her fighting for her life.
The little baby girl who only recently recovered from meningitis went on to be diagnosed with the fatal virus which causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages. The brave father wrote: “She was diagnosed with of course RSV, a severe case of pneumonia, type H flu, bronchiolitis, and a partially collapsed right lung,” the dad said. “Needless to say, it’s been a rough week for my little one.” “RSV is no joke,” I didn’t know much about it until a week ago when it almost took my daughter from me.”
“Please make sure to wash your hands before handling little ones. And make sure to wrap them up when heading outside into the cold.”
It is understood that RSV can be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air, creating virus-containing droplets that linger in the air. Other people can become infected if the droplet particles contact their mouth, nose or eye. Children are believed to be exposed to it more often when they are outside the home.
Although thankfully expert’s say the contraction of the virus can be prevented by people covering their coughs and sneezes, washing their hands regularly and correctly, and avoiding sharing their cups and utensils with children.