What is RSV?

RSV stands for “Respiratory Syncytial Virus”
Leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in babies and young children
Most children get RSV by the time they are 2 years old
Most of the time RSV will cause a mild, cold-like illness, but it can also cause severe
illness such as Pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or Bronchiolitis (inflammation of the
small airways of the lungs)
Most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children under 1 year of age
Babies under 6 months and elderly are most at risk for severe infection

What are the symptoms?

Runny nose
Decreased appetite
Coughing
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing

**In very young infants, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity,
decreased appetite and breathing difficulties**

How does it spread?

An infected person coughs or sneezes
You get virus droplets from a cough or sneeze in your eyes, nose or mouth
Direct contact with the virus, such as kissing the face of a child with RSV
You touch a surface that has the virus on it, (doorknob, countertop) and then touch your
face before washing your hands

How can I protect my baby from RSV?

Avoid close contact with people who are sick (even if sick with just a mild cold) or ask
family/friends who are sick to wear a mask in your home
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching their face with unwashed hands
Ask visitors to wash their hands before holding your baby
Ask visitors to avoid touching your baby’s face and hands

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022)

#PMDAwarenessMonth2022 

• Premenstrual Disorders include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) & Premenstrual  Exacerbation (PME) 
• Today’s post will focus on PMDD. Keep an eye out for a future post this month on PME. 

PMDD- What is it?  

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a cyclical, hormone-based mood disorder. 
•  PMDD became an official diagnosis in the DSM-V as of 2013 
• An estimated 5.5% of women of reproductive age experience severe distress and dysfunction due to PMDD.  
• Symptoms arise between ovulation and menstruation, aka the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and subside within a few days of menstruation 
• PMDD is a severe negative reaction in the brain to the natural rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone.  
• Symptoms can worsen over time and/or around large fluctuations in hormones that occur during menarche, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, and perimenopause. 

Why does it matter?  

• PMDD can have a severe impact on a woman’s functioning and well-being. • Some women experience damaging and impulsive behaviors (e.g. suddenly leaving a job or  ending a relationship) 
• 30% of those with PMDD will attempt suicide  

How do I know if I have it? 

• The only way to diagnose PMDD is by tracking symptoms daily for at least two menstrual  cycles 
• Symptoms of PMDD:
• Significant mood/emotional changes (e.g. mood swings, feeling suddenly sad or  tearful, increased sensitivity to rejection)  
• Irritability, anger, or increased interpersonal conflict  
• Depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, feeling worthless  
• Anxiety, tension, or feeling of being keyed up or on edge  
• Decreased interest in usual activities (e.g. work, school, friends, hobbies) • Difficulties concentrating; brain fog 
• Tiredness or low-energy 
• Changes in appetite- food cravings, overeating, or binge eating 
• Hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) or insomnia 
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control 
• Physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain,  bloating, or weight gain 

** A diagnosis of PMDD requires the presence of at least five of these symptoms, one of   which must be a “core emotional symptom” (listed in bold) 

How should I track my symptoms?  

• Printable trackers can be found at https://iapmd.org/symptom-tracker 
• Me v PMDD is a free PMDD specific tracking app https://www.mevpmdd.com

DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF YOUR SYMPTOMS HERE ARE RESOURCE IDEAS:

 CALL YOUR OB, CONFIDE IN A TRUSTED FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND, GO TO THE ER, CALL 911, OR CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE @ 1-800-273-8255.