‘Tis the Season – RSV, Flu and other to avoid

Parents of children who survive congenital diaphragmatic hernias usually go into hibernation during this season.  They are vigilant in hand washing, using hand sanitizers and advocating that no one come near their child(ren) with a cold.  (They don’t care if it is “allergies” – a sniffle to you may put a child with compromised lung issues into the hospital.)  This posting just isn’t for families with CDH survivors but also anyone out there who has compromised immunities or even those out there that are called “germ phoebes” by some and ridiculed for this. 

If there is a way to prevent your child or family member from catching the flu, say having the flu shot, will you then do this?  Well, there is a way to cut down the spread of germs and some virus simply by keeping hands clean and not going out into the public when you are symptomatic.  Now, many times most bacteria and virus’ are more contagious prior to the onset of symptoms but there is no reason to purposely expose others to illness.  So, any ‘germ phoebe’ should site this very reason for being so vigilant.  As for the statement, “Well, the more they are exposed, they build up immunities.”  Well, if exposed and it kills them, they will never build up immunities!  It just doesn’t make rational sense to anyone dealing with a child or anyone who has a condition that has a weakened ability to fight many illnesses out there.

So we have researched here for Hand Sanitizer Dispensers and their prices – so the ‘germ phoebes’ can truly cause talk among their friends and family!  Why not?  You’re labeled anyway!

Purell® NXTSpace Saver Dispenser - 1000 ml – Price $9.75 (Not Automatic) and their refills are expensive compared to some others listed below.

Purell®TFX Touch Free Dispenser – Nickel Finish - Price $28.25 – again the refills are expensive.

AvantOriginal Instant Hand Sanitizer, Wall Mount Dispenser - $23.99 – this comes with two 1000 ml. refills – A good buy!  Shipping is about $5 or so!

This is the link where we compared – so if you have other preferences, please feel free to do your own research:  http://www.nextag.com/wall-mount-hand-sanitizer-dispenser/stores-html

We also found these:

Hy5 HandSanitizer Wall-Mt Push button Dispenser $13

 
And you can go to Amazon and search for dispensers – you’re going to shop for the holidays anyway – so why not add to your order?  Click here to see the choices available on Amazon.com.

It appears Amazon may have the best deals overall – if you buy the dispensers they usually offer the refills at a discounted rate! 

We just did a quick search and compare here – so if you find a great buy out there – please feel free to comment to this post with the info to share with other “Germ Phobes”! 

If You Care...

Many of the families who have survivors of CDH may be denied by their insurance companies a RSV shots which as this sample letter states is a preventative measure to keep not just CDH babies but many children who started in a NICU or have survived through some form of critical care.

Please feel free to use this text for your own letters. All States regulate our Insurance Industry - send this letter to your State Representative and perhaps they will take this under advisement!

Thank you!
________________________

Your Name/Address



Date



Your State Representative’s Name and Address

(This should be available on your State Website)



Dear Honorable (Insert Name):

States regulate the Insurance Companies who insure constituents in our area. This regulation protects the consumers and insured. I/we are writing you because there is a injectable shot for Synagis (RSV) which is recommended for infants born prematurely, with heart and lung issues. Synagis is a common virus and it most of us a simple common cold but for these infants and children it can send them back to the hospital and could be deadly. It is also recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children with chronic lung disease up to age two.

These shots are given monthly at a cost of up to or more than $10,000 for the season from late October through April. Just like the flu shot, these are not guaranteed to protect the child from RSV but lessen the duration. Many families have their insurance companies deny coverage for these shots and must appeal after obtaining letters and recommendations from their children’s doctors and specialists. Parents are not subjecting their young children to monthly shots because they want to, but because they feel it is necessary in order to protect them from further setbacks in their development and possible death.

A hospitalization of a child with RSV can run into the tens of thousands and could very well cause further respiratory and developmental issues that would cost more to said insurance companies.

We would like for our state to pass some form of regulation on the Insurance Industry here in (State Name) which would either meet or exceed the American Academy Pediatrics Recommendation for such immunizations on these children.

(Our son/daughter – or any relationship – or your experience here about children that need this preventative care.)

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would be more than happy to discuss further this very important matter.

With kind regards,
Your Name