What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection?

Estimates claim that nearly 100,000 children less than one year of age are hospitalized each year with RSV infections. The thought that taking a vitamin D supplement during pregnancy is all it takes to reduce the risk of RSV complications resulting in hospitalization is an attractive one. Vitamin D enhances the body’s immune function, thereby reducing the occurrence of illness and infections. Most doctors will recommend 400 to 600 IU’s of vitamin D daily to supplement prenatal vitamins in pregnant women. Always consult with your doctor first before commencing any supplemental vitamin program.

Preventing RSV

Preventing RSV is always the best course of action. Promptly separate any child with RSV from the others, always wash your hands and breastfeed for as long as possible. In addition, consider taking a vitamin D supplement while pregnant to give your child the best possible chance to avoid becoming infected with RSV.

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Respiratory syncytial virus infection. (2010, July 09). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/lung/tc/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infection-prevention

Hartle, T.M. (2011, May 23). Vitamin D intake in pregnancy prevents rsv infections in infants. Retrieved from http://www.naturalnews.com/032477_vitamin_D_pregnancy.html

 

 

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