Infections

  • Premature infants are at increased risk of infection
    • This is because their immune system is underdeveloped, so bacteria can more easily invade the bloodstream.
  • A baby with an infection in their blood may be unstable, pale with blotchy skin, and very quiet. We are on constant look-out for these signs and parents should be on the look-out as well.
  • Treatment often involves antibiotics or antifungal medications.

Reference:

AbbVie Corporation (Ed.). (2015). Preemie Parent Handbook (4th ed.). Canada: AbbVie Corportation.