RSV in Kids: How to Protect Your Child From Serious Illness

Virtually every baby at some point gets respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a respiratory bug that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It's the most common respiratory virus in infants and toddlers. Most kids with RSV have symptoms like that of a common cold – such as a runny nose, cough or fever – and suffer no long-term health consequences.

But in young infants – particularly children born prematurely or with certain health conditions – RSV can cause serious, even life-threatening complications. In the United States, up to 80,000 infants a year are hospitalized with severe RSV infections, making it the country's leading cause of infant hospitalization.

Who's at risk for severe RSV?

Some children have an increased risk of getting very sick from RSV. These include:

• Infants born prematurely
• Infants younger than 6 months old
• Children younger than 2 years old who have chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems

Keeping your child safe

The same simple practices that reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the flu can also protect against RSV. These include regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces (such as toys and doorknobs), frequent handwashing (for both you and your child), and staying away from people who are sick.

For children at risk of severe RSV, antibody shots can add an extra layer of protection. These drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and, similar to a flu shot, give your child a temporary boost during respiratory virus season (October to March).

• Nirsevimab-alip (Beyfortus) provides protection for five months and is approved for all infants under 8 months old as well as certain high-risk children under 20 months.

Getting the RSV vaccine

RSV vaccines for children under 8 months old will likely be available in your primary care clinic. For children over the age of 8 months, eligibility depends on your child's condition and age during RSV season. Talk with your child's primary care doctor to find out more.

An RSV vaccine is also available during pregnancy (between 32 and 36 weeks) to protect your baby against RSV. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting this preventive treatment.