Shawn Johnson, the celebrated Olympic gold medalist, recently shared her experience with her son’s hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The incident unfolded when her son, Jett James East, was just one year old and faced severe breathing difficulties, prompting an emergency room visit.
RSV and Child Hospitalization: Shawn Johnson’s Experience
RSV is a highly contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. Johnson’s daughter, Drew Hazel East, had previously contracted a mild version of the virus but did not require hospitalization. When Johnson learned she was expecting a third child, she became concerned because the baby would be born during peak RSV season around the holidays.
Guidance from Experts
To tackle this urgent health concern, Johnson sought advice from pediatricians and a friend, Dr. Mona Amin, whom she connected with through social media. Dr. Amin emphasized that RSV symptoms can vary significantly from child to child.
- RSV can present differently in each case.
- Consulting with medical professionals is crucial for concerned parents.
Medications and Prevention
During her discussions with Dr. Amin and her pediatrician, they recommended Beyfortus, an injectable antibody treatment for young children, which received FDA approval on July 17, 2023. Johnson encourages parents to consult their pediatricians about RSV, stating, “Education is so much better than none at all.”
The New Approach to Parenting
This health scare has shifted Johnson’s focus towards protecting her children from viruses. She has transformed her reading habits from fantasy novels to books on parenting and health. Johnson emphasizes the need for parents to equip themselves with knowledge to respond effectively to their children’s various needs.
“The attention athletes give to their bodies should also apply to our children,” Johnson stated. Each child is unique and requires a tailored approach to health and wellbeing.
