Originally published September 2020

Protecting Your Baby During RSV Season

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. For most children, it causes mild cold-like symptoms, but for premature infants or those with lung, heart, or immune problems, RSV can lead to serious illness.

RSV spreads easily through physical contact, like touching, kissing, or shaking hands, and through droplets from coughs or sneezes. It can even live for hours on surfaces such as countertops or tissues. The RSV “season” typically runs from November through March, though timing can vary each year.

How to Protect My Child

The best protection for high-risk infants is Synagis® (palivizumab), a monthly shot that helps boost immunity throughout RSV season. Each dose lasts about a month, so it’s important to keep all appointments to ensure your baby stays protected.

You can also lower your child’s risk by following these precautions:

• Wash your hands often.
• Avoid close contact if you have a cold or runny nose (consider wearing a mask if needed).
• Stay away from crowded areas or community events.
• Keep other young children away from your baby when possible.
• Don’t smoke around your baby - smoke exposure increases the risk of RSV.
• If you breastfeed, continue as long as possible to help support your baby’s immune system.

Who Should Receive RSV Prophylaxis

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends Synagis for babies and young children who are at higher risk of severe RSV illness, including:

• Premature infants: Babies born before 29 weeks of pregnancy who are under one year old at the start of RSV season.
• Infants with chronic lung disease: Babies born before 32 weeks who needed oxygen for at least 28 days after birth.
• Toddlers with ongoing lung issues: Children under two years old who still need medical treatment (like oxygen, diuretics, or steroids) for chronic lung disease.
• Infants with serious heart problems: Babies under one year old with significant congenital heart disease (check with a cardiologist to confirm eligibility).
• Infants with breathing or muscle problems: Babies with neuromuscular disorders or lung abnormalities that make it hard to clear airway secretions.
• Children with weakened immune systems: Kids under two years old with severe immunocompromise.
  

Prophylaxis typically starts in November and continues through March, with up to five doses given. If a child is hospitalized with RSV, prophylaxis should be stopped.

At Women & Infants Hospital, eligible NICU babies receive their first Synagis dose before discharge during RSV season. For preterm infants going home between November and March, our team will coordinate with your child’s doctor to ensure ongoing protection.

For questions about eligibility or treatment planning, please contact our NICU care managers at (401) 274-1122, ext. 43371.