Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in infants under 1 year old, with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and fever. RSV can lead to conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children, and it hospitalizes up to 125,000 infants in the U.S. each year. Infants under 1 year old are most at risk, especially those born prematurely or with chronic lung or heart conditions. Proper handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of RSV.

2.  Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major
cause of respiratory illness in infants less
than 1 year old
› RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis
and pneumonia in children under the age of 1
year
› Each year, RSV hospitalizes up to 125,000
children under the age of 1 year
› RSV affects almost all children by their second
birthday
› RSV is a seasonal illness usually lasting from fall
to early spring (November-April)

3.  Most infants have
symptoms similar to
other respiratory
infections:
› Coughing
› Sneezing
› Runny nose
› Fever
› Decreased appetite
› Wheezing
 Very young infants
may only experience
these symptoms:
› Irritability
› Decreased activity
› Breathing difficulties
 Fast breathing
 Nostril flaring
 Caving in of chest
› Bluish color around
mouth or fingernails

4.  Illness usually begins 4 to 6
days after exposure
 May begin with runny nose
and decreased appetite
 Coughing, sneezing, and
fever usually develop 1 to 3
days later
 Full recovery from illness is
usually 1 to 2 weeks

5.  All Infants under the age of 1 year
are at risk
 Those with increased risk:
› Children less than 2 years with chronic
lung disease
 Weaker lungs cannot fight infection
› Children less than 2 years with
congenital heart disease
 Weaker hearts cannot fight infection
› Children with compromised immune
systems
 Weaker immune systems cannot fight
infection

6.  Those with increased risk:
› Infants who were born at or
before 35 weeks gestation
 Preterm lungs take longer to
develop
 Preterm infants have weak
immune systems
› Infants 12 weeks or younger at
the beginning of RSV season
(typically November)
› Infants who have preschool or
school-aged siblings
› Infants who attend daycare

7.  Those with increased risk:
› Infants who live with 4 or more family
members
› Infants who are exposed to tobacco smoke
› Infants who are twins, triplets, or other
multiples
› Infants born less than 5 ½ pounds
› Infants with a family history of wheezing or
asthma

8.  The best way to prevent the spread of
RSV is to WASH YOUR HANDS!
 Keep infants away from those who are
sick or who have cold-like symptoms
 Do not let your infant share bottles, cups,
pacifiers, and eating utensils with others
(including parents)

9.  Do not let others kiss your baby
 Wash your children’s
clothes, towels, blankets, bedding, and
toys often
 Limit visiting areas with large crowds
during the cold, winter months
 Never let anyone smoke around your
baby

10.  For those with increased risk due to
chronic illness or being born premature:
› In addition to the other suggestions, you
should keep your infant away from other
infants and children if possible
 Limit time siblings spend around the infant
 Avoid taking your infant to settings such as
daycare and church
 Avoid taking your infant to places with large
crowds, such as Wal-Mart or sporting events

11.  For those with increased risk due to
chronic illness or being born premature:
› Ask your doctor about a medication called
SYNAGIS
 Does not prevent RSV infection, but helps
protect your infant from severe RSV infections
that may lead to hospitalization or death
 Contains virus-fighting antibodies
 Given by injection every 28 days throughout
RSV season
 Important to stay on schedule in order to provide
your infant with best protection

12.  If you think your baby has RSV, call your
doctor as soon as possible or seek
emergency medical attention
 Remember the best way to prevent the
spread of RSV is to WASH YOUR HANDS!

13.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013).
Respiratory syncytial virus. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html
 World Health Organization. (2009). Clean care is safer care.
Retrieved from http://www.who.int/gpsc/en/
 Synagis Palivizumab. (2013). Retrieved from
https://www.synagis.com/