Baby looking over dad’s shoulder with sore and stuffy nose

RSV can be spread from a kiss or by snuggling a favorite toy

What parents need to know about RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that can lead to respiratory infection in babies, including serious lung infections. However, most of the time RSV will cause a mild, cold-like illness. RSV spreads when droplets from a cough, sneeze, or infected surface get inside the eyes, nose, or mouth.

It’s seasonal

The typical RSV season usually occurs from fall through spring, but can vary by local area.

It’s common

2 out of 3 babies will get RSV by age 1.

It’s unpredictable

RSV can go from cold-like symptoms to hospitalization in less than a week.

It’s serious

Babies are 16x more likely to be hospitalized with RSV lung infection than with the flu.

It's concerning

Although severe RSV is rare, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in babies under age 1.

It’s persistent

On average, babies hospitalized with RSV stay for 3-4 days in hospital.

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What symptoms to look for

RSV signs and symptoms

Most of the time RSV will cause a mild, cold-like illness. Initial symptoms of RSV can include:

congestion
runny nose
irritability
decreased appetite
fever

When to call a doctor

As the infection spreads to the lungs the symptoms can worsen and can also cause severe illness such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Symptoms can include: