What you can do in the NICU
What you can do in the NICU
Our mission is to support and educate Canadian families of premature babies every step of the way – before, during and after their NICU stays.
Our vision is to create a brighter future for all premature babies and those who care for them.
Introducing Preemi™, the stuffie made just for premature babies. Learn more here.
Common Respiratory Illnesses
The most common respiratory virus for premature babies - RSV - the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection.
Parents of premature babies are very concerned about respiratory illnesses and their babies being re-admitted into hospital following discharge from the NICU.
CPBF receives a lot of requests for information specifically on RSV and how to decrease the risk of their babies getting sick.
Here are resources for families, including a NEW handbook, Palivizumab eligibility criteria per province and more.
Learn more about how to reduce the risk of common respiratory illnesses to your baby.
During COVID-19
"Restrictions put in place to reduce contact, and the spread of COVID-19 may have also reduced the spread of some respiratory viruses. As restrictions ease, many respiratory illnesses are starting to spread once again, especially RSV."
Proper hand washing remains important, as do additional measures such as:
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Follow Public Health guidelines
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Keep immunizations up-to-date
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Ensure all family members get their seasonal flu shot (including babies 6 months of age and up)
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If your baby is receiving RSV injections, make sure to continue with the schedule.
To learn more about how you can reduce the risk to your baby, download or view the new CBPF Parent Handbook, "Common Respiratory Illnesses: Reducing the Risk".
Parent Letter
In collaboration with parents, we have created a letter to download, adapt and share with your family and friends. The letter is helpful in explaining to everyone why you are being extra careful when you bring your preemie home.
Download Parent letter (Microsoft Word 16 KB)
Podcasts
Tune into "With You in the NICU" podcasts to hear from experts, who will discuss many of the questions and concerns NICU parents often have.
Preemie Chats
Free online events covering a host of Preemie-focused topics
New! Parent Handbook
CBPF Parent Handbook, "Common Respiratory Ilnesses: Reducing the Risk"
This parent handbook was carefully developed by healthcare experts in the field of neonatal care. The information about common respiratory illnesses (including RSV) is thoughtfully presented in consultation with parents of preemie babies. See a page here.
PDF format 978 KB (16 pages)
New! Infographic: Why Premature Babies are more at Risk
Premature babies are at higher risk of becoming very sick. Read why.
Respiratory viruses bring us familiar cold symptoms that last a few days to a week for most people, but these same viruses may cause more serious illness in babies. Premature babies are at higher risk of becoming very sick.
PDF format 422 KB (1 page)
RSV Injection Criteria
RSV injections are not vaccines; they are antibodies which help protect high-risk babies from RSV. Eligibility criteria is based on recommendations by the Canadian Pediatric Society and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Canadian Immunization Guide. Each province has its own eligibility criteria. Please see the individual links for more information.
RSV Survey Report
New! National Survey Report on RSV (Summary)
A parent survey providing us with their understanding about RSV and respiratory illnesses, and their experience of obtaining this information. The results are very revealing.
RSV Information Sheets in other Languages
What you need to know about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). 16 Languages
A Sneak Peek from the New Parent Handbook of Common Respiratory Ilnesses: Reducing the Risk
Why preemies are at risk of becoming more sick with RSV:
Immature lungs. The lungs are among the last organs to develop before birth. Antibodies are proteins made in the body by a special type of white blood cell. They protect against viruses and bacteria that can make us sick, and help us to fight infections.
Protective antibodies that fight infection are passed from the mother across the placenta, mostly in the last few months of pregnancy. The premature baby misses out on the full amount of these antibodies and may also have difficulty producing their own.
For more information, visit www.rsvshield.ca
New! National Survey Report on RSV (Summary)
A parent survey providing us with their understanding about RSV and respiratory illnesses, and their experience of obtaining this information. The results are very revealing. Read here.
RSV Injection Criteria
Eligibility criteria is based on recommendations by the Canadian Pediatric Society and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Canadian Immunization Guide. Each province and territory has its own eligibility criteria which varies. Choose your province to read the guidelines. If you have further questions, speak to your baby's doctor.
Free! Webinar: Common Winter Illnesses