September 2005

Leading experts discuss how to protect premature infants against RSV, a potentially dangerous virus

Media advisory

SAVE THE DATE: TUESDAY, SEPT. 27, 2005, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT

As virus season approaches, leading experts discuss how to protect premature infants against RSV, a potentially dangerous virus

Clinical experts from Children's Hospital Boston and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses lead media teleconference to review data and offer advice on safeguarding preemie health

What: More than 500,000 premature infants are born each year in the United States, approximately one every 60 seconds. Underdeveloped lungs and weak immune systems leave these fragile patients susceptible to respiratory illnesses. During virus season, which begins in late October, these babies are at a higher risk of developing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a disease that may be up to 10 times more deadly than influenza in children under 1 year of age.



Because RSV shares many symptoms with the common cold and influenza, it often goes un- or misdiagnosed, raising the risk of serious health complications. During this national media teleconference, experts from Children's Hospital Boston and the National Association of Neonatal

Nurses will discuss:

When: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT
Please R.S.V.P. to contacts listed above to obtain the teleconference call-in number and password, and background materials.

Speakers: 1. Dr. Kenneth McIntosh
Infectious Disease Specialist, Children's Hospital Boston
Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

2. Dr. Anne Hansen
Neonatologist, NICU Medical Director, Children's Hospital Boston
Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School

3. Angela Burd, R.N.C., C.C.N.S.
NICU Advanced Practice Nurse, National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) representative

4. Dr. John J. Labella, F.A.A.P.
Pediatrician, Children's Community Pediatrics, Cranberry Township, Pa.

5. Maureen Doolan Boyle
Executive Director, Mothers of Supertwins (MOST)

6. A mother of two children: a child who had RSV and a preemie who received RSV-prevention medication

This telephone press briefing is underwritten by MedImmune, Inc.