Episode 43: Jimmie and Alexis Allen share their RSV Story
Jimmie Allen
Country music star Jimmie Allen and his wife Alexis join the Podcast to talk about their experience with RSV. Their daughter, Zara, had RSV when she was 6-weeks-old. While initially it seemed like “just a cold”, her symptoms became worse, and she was rushed to the hospital where she spent a week receiving supportive care. They are opening up to talk about their journey with their daughter in the hopes of raising awareness for RSV.
In the interview, we hear their story from first symptoms to diagnosis through hospitalization. Listeners will relate to the questions and frustrations Jimmie and Alexis had at the beginning, before the diagnosis was made, as well as the fear of helplessness a parent can have when their infant is sick. They share with listeners what they wish they had known about RSV before Zara became ill, how this experience shaped them as parents, and we discuss how we can keep our littles safe.
Of course, I sneak in a few questions about Jimmie’s current tour with Carrie Underwood and his new album.
Jimmie, Alexis & Zara Allen
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Facts:
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in babies under a year of age
RSV is most common in winter months (November - March).
RSV spreads by droplets - droplets from a cough, sneeze, or infected surface can get inside the eyes, nose, or mouth
66% (2 out of 3) babies will get RSV by age 1
RSV symptoms start as a “cold”: runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fever but can become more severe over a matter of a few days
1-2% of children with RSV require hospitalization so knowing the signs of more severe illness is important for caregivers.
I am incredibly grateful that Jimmie and Alexis shared their story with me.
You can find additional information about RSV at KnowingRSV.
