Respiratory syncytial virus is a common illness that causes cold-like symptoms. But for premature babies and those with lung issues, RSV can be fatal.
Most children get RSV. The typical season for this virus is between November to April. But for babies born prematurely, with low birth weight, or with lung or heart problems, the risk is more severe. According to the March of Dimes, preterm babies who get RSV are three times more likely to die from the virus than full-term babies.
As a practicing obstetrician caring for women of color, Dr. Hasra Snaggs, director, medical monitor, vaccine research development at Pfizer, and an obstetrician specialist has delivered mothers prematurely and recognized the impact of babies being born early.
“Unfortunately, Black women are 50 percent more likely to give birth to a premature baby than White or Hispanic women,” she says in an email interview. “RSV is of particular concern for Black mothers and infants.”
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