Miss Haven out for a stroll around Fells Point

We finally found out what the virus is that Haven has. She was supposed to be in Pulmonary this morning at 9am. They called Oncology to discuss Haven's situation and precautions for her but then called me back and due to her virus she is unable to come to their clinic until she is confirmed negative. It's best for her health and any other immune suppressed children.

It is called:

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE)

They are a type of bacteria called enterococci that have developed resistance to many antibiotics, especially vancomycin. Enterococci bacteria live in our intestines and on our skin, usually without causing problems.

VRE, like many bacteria, can be spread from one person to another through casual contact or through contaminated objects. Most often, VRE is spread from the hands of a health professional to a patient in a hospital or other health care setting. VRE is not usually spread through the air like the common cold or flu virus unless you have VRE pneumonia and are coughing, which is rare.

VRE infections generally only occur among people who have weakened immune systems, such as people with long-term illnesses or people who have had major surgery or other medical procedures and have been treated with multiple antibiotics.

If you get a serious infection with VRE, you may be isolated in a private hospital room to reduce the chances of spreading the bacteria to others. When your doctors and nurses are caring for you, they may use extra precautions such as wearing gloves and gowns.