RSV in Babies and Young Children

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

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

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.