RSV: How to Protect Your Child

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common and highly contagious illness that infects nearly every child at least once before they are two years old. The infection, however, is more severe in early infancy. Until recently, there was no good prevention plan for parents to put into action. Now, everything has changed.

What Is RSV?

RSV initially presents much like a cold or the flu, but it can become serious very quickly and is the most common reason for infant hospitalizations in the United States. Most infants who are hospitalized with RSV were previously healthy. Mild symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and decreased appetite. Severe symptoms can include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and sometimes requirement for oxygen therapy.

Quick Facts About RSV:

• RSV is most common during the winter respiratory virus season (November – March) but may vary depending on what part of the country you live.
• RSV most commonly spreads from contact with infected respiratory secretions that allows the virus to get inside the eyes, nose, or mouth through unwashed hands. Occasionally it can spread from droplets produced with coughing or sneezing.
• 2 out of 3 babies will get RSV before their first birthday.
• RSV can go from mild, cold-like symptoms to hospitalization in less than a week.
• Though hospitalization happens in only 1%-2% of RSV cases, it can’t be predicted which babies, even the healthiest ones, will be hospitalized.
• Babies are sixteen times more likely to be hospitalized with RSV than with the flu.
• RSV can lead to respiratory illness in babies, including lung infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

A New Immunization

In July 2023, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved nirsevimab (brand name: Beyfortus™️), a single dose, long-acting monoclonal antibody medication to prevent severe RSV in infants and some high-risk children. Although not a vaccine, it was added to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) child immunization schedule and Vaccines for Children program.

The recommendation from the CDC is for all infants born during or entering their first RSV season and are younger than 8 months of age to receive one intramuscular dose of nirsevimab. Children who are 8 to 19 months old in their second RSV season and at an increased risk for severe RSV should also get one dose. Research has shown that a single dose of nirsevimab is safe and highly effective.

In addition to nirsevimab, the FDA has approved, and CDC has recommended an RSV vaccine to pregnant mothers at 32 to 36 weeks of pregnancy to prevent serious RSV disease in young infants. If the mother received the RSV vaccine more than 2 weeks before delivery, then the infant does not need nirsevimab except if at very high risk of having a severe RSV infection.

Ask your pediatrician about getting nirsevimab for your child.