PRESS RELEASE

Respiratory diseases, main cause for

pediatric consultations
According to the seasons, there is an increase in respiratory diseases, especially
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes more than 62% of these diseases.
During the cold and in winter, parents who have children under 2 years old and
newborns, especially premature babies, should be alert if their babies have
symptoms such as:

Fever
Runny nose
Strong and frequent coughing
Problems breathing, including wheezing (whistling sound)
Fast breathing

These symptoms may appear in children and infants who suffer from respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV). It is therefore important to prevent this virus to apply hygiene
rules at home and learn about their treatment.
To this end, Abbvie laboratories, recently presented Synagis, a single drug to
prevent Syncytial Virus (RSV) to neonatologists, pediatricians, and representatives
of the Ministry of Health, which is already available in the country.
Synagis, is indicated for pediatric patients, especially for newborns and premature
babies, which are the most affected ones by this respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),
because it can cause blockage of the small or lower airways. In addition, if you do
not have an adequate diagnosis it can have extreme consequences taking into
consideration that all newborns are at risk and premature babies even more
because they have a weak immune system and their lungs have not fully developed
yet.
"It is important to mention that all newborns are at risk of contracting respiratory
diseases and RSV even more, therefore it is important that physicians and health
staff know about this preventive treatment that can save the life of many of these
little ones. It is also necessary that parents, in particular those who have premature
babies, know that now there is a medicine that can save them from going to the
emergency and unnecessary intensive care costs because of this virus", says Doctor
Marlon Timothy, neonatologist, General Hospitals representative.
RSV is more common than it seems, because 95% of children under 2 years old
have been infected. So today it is necessary to raise awareness among both
parents, and public and private health authorities. Preventing respiratory diseases
AbbVie Central America & Caribbean
Ed. Interamericas Torre Norte Nivel 16
Guatemala, Guatemala

+502 2210.3002
abbvie.com

is everyones responsibility and even more important, the RSV virus which causes
62% of viruses in children. Avoiding unnecessary complications and hospitalization
expenses and, of course, facilitating a healthy life, is key for childrens growth and
development.

To prevent is to live!
About AbbVie
AbbVie is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company formed in 2013
following separation from Abbott Laboratories. The company's mission is to use its
expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to develop and
market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and
serious diseases. Together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pharmacyclics, AbbVie
employs more than 28,000 people worldwide and markets medicines in more than
170 countries. For further information on the company and its people, portfolio and
commitments, please visit www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter or view
careers on our Facebook or LinkedIn page

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Press contacts
PR Agency
Gloria Mora Cano
Tel.: (502) 5903-4517
gmora@comarketing.com.gt

AbbVie
Scarlett Alvarado
T: (502) 5513-5560
Scarlett.alvarado@abbvie.com

95-4666/062016

AbbVie Central America & Caribbean

Ed. Interamericas Torre Norte Nivel 16
Guatemala, Guatemala

+502 2210.3002
abbvie.com