RSV in Babies and Young Children

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Nearly 100% of infants will contract RSV. While symptoms can be cold-like, they also can be more severe and even life threatening.

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Key Facts

Nearly 100% of children are infected by 2.
Up to 80,000 children under 5 are hospitalized each year.
RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants in the United States.

Understanding RSV in Infants & Young Children

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild sickness. But it can be dangerous for babies and some young children. The children at highest risk for severe illness and complications from RSV are:

  • Premature newborns
  • Babies up to 12 months old, especially if they are 6 months old or younger
  • Children who are younger than 2 and have a chronic lung disease or heart disease that was present at birth
  • Children who have weakened immune systems
  • Children who have neuromuscular disorders

RSV Symptoms in Infants & Young Children

Most babies and young children develop mild illness from RSV, but for some it can become severe. RSV symptoms are not usually severe right away however, they may become more severe a few days after symptoms begin. At first children typically have a runny nose, may eat or drink less and cough. The coughing may develop into wheezing or difficulty breathing.

Babies almost always have symptoms. In babies under 6 months old, the symptoms of RSV may include:

  • Irritability
  • Decreased activity
  • Eating/drinking less
  • Pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds
  • Sometimes a fever, but not always

Severe RSV infection can lead to bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).

Infants that need hospitalization may require oxygen, IV fluids, and mechanical ventilation. Most children improve in a few days and can go back home.

Protecting Infants Against RSV

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Maternal vaccination between 32-36 of pregnancy or a preventative antibody given to babies younger than eight months old shortly before or during RSV season. Other ways to prevent RSV in babies include avoiding close contact with sick people, avoiding sharing cups, bottles or toys and washing your hands often. Support for this educational campaign is provided by Sanofi.

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There are two options to help protect your baby from getting serious illness from RSV:

  1. An RSV vaccine given during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy in September through January OR
  2. An RSV preventive antibody given to infants under 8 months in October through March.

Most infants do not need protection from both, just one.

The RSV preventive antibody is also recommended for some young children 8-19 months of age at increased risk of severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season including:

  • Children born prematurely and have chronic lung disease
  • Children with severe immunocompromise
  • Children with severe cystic fibrosis
  • American Indian and Alaska Native children

Learn More About Protecting Your Baby Against RSV

Download our new factsheet to learn more about immunization guidelines and tips for talking to your healthcare provider about protecting your baby against severe RSV illness.
Download Factsheet

Treating RSV in Infants & Young Children

Most RSV infections that do not cause severe infection go away in a week or two. You can help manage your child’s discomfort by:

  • Giving over-the-counter fever reducers and pain medications (do not give aspirin to children).
  • Making sure your child drinks enough so they stay hydrated.
  • Talking to your child’s healthcare provider before giving cold medicines or if you are worried about symptoms.

When is RSV season?

Is my child at increased risk for severe RSV infection?

What are the different ways to help prevent RSV in my child?

How do available products for prevention work?

How effective are the products for prevention?

Are there any side effects?

Are RSV preventatives safe to get with other vaccines or medications?

Are there any scenarios where an RSV prevention product wouldn’t be recommended?

Download the handout to take with you to your next appointment.

Page last updated: October 25, 2024

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