RSV Protection Available: Keep Your Baby Safe This Season
RSV Protection Available: Keep Your Baby Safe This Season
As we enter fall and winter months, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) becomes a major concern for parents of infants and young children. RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in babies under one year old, but we now have effective tools to protect your little one during their most vulnerable months.
Understanding RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus affects the lungs and breathing passages. While RSV causes only mild cold-like symptoms in most older children and adults, it can be dangerous for babies, especially those under 6 months old. Nearly all children will get RSV by age 2, but infants face the highest risk of severe illness.
When RSV infects an infant's small airways, it can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of small airways) or pneumonia, making it difficult for babies to breathe and eat. These conditions often require hospitalization for oxygen support and feeding assistance.
Who Is Most at Risk
All infants are vulnerable to severe RSV, but certain babies face even higher risk: premature babies (especially those born before 35 weeks), infants under 6 months old during RSV season, babies with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease, infants with weakened immune systems, and babies with neuromuscular disorders.
Even healthy, full-term babies can develop severe RSV requiring hospitalization. About 80% of babies hospitalized for RSV were previously healthy with no risk factors.
Recognizing RSV Symptoms
RSV starts like a common cold: runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, and fever. In babies, RSV can progress quickly. Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention include: fast or difficult breathing, flaring nostrils with each breath, rhythmic grunting during breathing, belly breathing (using stomach muscles to breathe), wheezing or whistling sound when breathing, bluish color around lips or fingernails, pauses in breathing (apnea), refusing to eat or drink, signs of dehydration (no wet diapers for 6+ hours), and unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking.
New RSV Prevention: Nirsevimab (Beyfortus)
The most exciting development in infant health is nirsevimab (Beyfortus)—a preventive immunization that significantly reduces RSV hospitalizations and emergency visits. This is not a vaccine but a long-acting antibody providing immediate protection throughout the entire RSV season. Studies show nirsevimab reduces RSV hospitalization by about 80% and emergency visits by about 75% with just one dose.
Who Should Receive Nirsevimab
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nirsevimab for: all infants under 8 months old entering their first RSV season (October through March), and certain high-risk children 8-19 months entering their second RSV season. This preventive treatment is administered as a simple injection during a regular office visit.
Prevention Strategies
Beyond immunization, you can reduce your baby's RSV risk by practicing good hand hygiene (washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds), avoiding close contact with sick people, limiting exposure to crowds during RSV season (especially for young infants), cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces regularly, and never exposing your child to tobacco smoke (which significantly increases RSV risk and severity).
When to Seek Care
Contact us immediately if your baby shows any warning signs of RSV, especially difficulty breathing, refusal to eat or drink, or signs of dehydration. For babies under 3 months, any difficulty breathing or poor feeding requires immediate evaluation. Early recognition and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RSV antibody injection?
The RSV antibody injection (nirsevimab/Beyfortus) is a preventive treatment that provides passive immunity against RSV. Unlike a vaccine that teaches the body to make antibodies, this injection provides ready-made antibodies that protect babies for several months during RSV season.
Who should get the RSV antibody injection?
The CDC recommends the RSV antibody injection for all infants under 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season (typically October-March). It's also recommended for some children 8-19 months at increased risk for severe RSV disease during their second season.
When should my baby receive the RSV prevention?
Babies born during RSV season should receive the injection shortly after birth. For babies born before RSV season begins, the injection should be given in early fall (September or October) before RSV starts circulating widely in your community.
Is the RSV antibody injection the same as a vaccine?
No, the antibody injection provides immediate but temporary protection (5-6 months), while vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to create lasting protection. There's also an RSV vaccine for pregnant women that protects newborns through maternal antibodies.
What are the side effects of RSV prevention?
Side effects from the antibody injection are generally mild and may include rash at the injection site or low-grade fever lasting 1-2 days. Serious side effects are rare. The benefits of protection against severe RSV far outweigh these minimal risks.
How can I protect my baby from RSV besides the injection?
Wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with sick people, clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, limit exposure to crowds during RSV season, keep babies away from cigarette smoke, and ensure anyone holding your baby washes their hands first. Breastfeeding also provides some protection.
Need Personal Guidance?
This article provides general information. For questions specific to your child's health, please call our office or book an appointment online.