- The leading cause of infant hospitalization, RSV can trigger severe pneumonia and lung infections.
- RSV cases are climbing as we head into the peak of the fall and winter respiratory season.
Why protecting babies (and expectant mothers) matter:
- Infants — especially those under 6 months — are at higher risk of severe RSV disease (e.g., bronchiolitis, pneumonia) and hospitalization.
- Certain groups are especially vulnerable: babies born prematurely, with lung or heart conditions, or with weakened immune systems.
- For pregnant people: getting immunized in pregnancy can help protect the baby by transferring antibodies across the placenta.
- For families: because babies often interact with older siblings, caregivers, daycare settings, it’s not just the baby who matters — the “whole village” needs to be protected.
What you can do to help protect your baby:
- Preventive hygiene and common sense
- Wash hands frequently, especially before touching the baby.
- Avoid close contact between the baby and anyone who is sick (coughing, runny nose) or has been exposed to one of the viruses.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touch surfaces and items (toys, pacifiers, highchairs).
- Avoid sharing bottles, cups, or utensils with the baby when someone is sick.
- Limit exposure in crowded indoor places during peak respiratory-virus season if possible.
- Make sure anyone in the household who is sick stays home and avoids close contact with the baby.
- Use immunization / preventive medical options.
RSV can be more than “just a cold” in infants. There are now recommended medical tools available:
- If you are pregnant, ask your doctor about the maternal RSV vaccine (e.g., Abrysvo) given during about weeks 32–36 of pregnancy. This helps pass protective antibodies to the baby for the first ~6 months.
- If the baby is newborn or under 8 months and the mother did not get the maternal vaccine (or timing is off), the baby may be eligible for a long-acting monoclonal antibody (e.g., Nirsevimab, brand Beyfortus; or Clesrovimab, brand Enflonsia) to reduce the risk of severe RSV illness.
- Stay up to date with your baby’s pediatric visits and talk to your pediatrician about the timing of giving these options.
- Note: Immunizations don’t replace hygiene and other protective measures — they complement them.
Recognize symptoms early and seek care if needed:
- Early RSV symptoms look like a cold: runny nose, coughing, sneezing, maybe mild fever.
- But warning signs in infants include:
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, wheezing.
- Poor feeding or decreased activity.
- Bluish lips or skin (a sign of low oxygen).
- If you see any of those — call your pediatrician or go to the emergency room.
Please click the link below to read the LA Times article regarding the wave of RSV, particularly dangerous for babies, sweeping across the US.