How can I Protect My Child?

Preventive Steps

There are steps you can take to help protect your baby during the RSV season.1

When is RSV season?

RSV outbreaks can happen any time of year, but usually happen during colder, wintry months. Since RSV season varies by region, it’s always best to ask your doctor about when it occurs in your area.2,3

Reducing the risk

Simple ways of reducing the risk of an RSV infection1

Wash hands

Wash your hands often and ask others to do the same

Person-to-person

Avoid crowds and other young children, especially those with a cold or fever

Keep clean

Keep toys, clothes, blankets and sheets clean

No smoking

Don't let anyone smoke in your home or near your baby

Medical Prevention

In South Africa, preventative treatments are available. Pregnant women can be given a vaccine during late pregnancy to protect the infant against RSV after birth.4,5 A preventative treatment can also be given to an infant to protect them against severe RSV.4,6 Please consult your healthcare professional for personalised guidance and further information.

References: 1. Jones A. RSV: when it’s more than just a cold. HealthyChildren.org. Updated November 4, 2019. Accessed June 22, 2020. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx 2. Li Y, Reeves RM, Wang X, et al. Global patterns in monthly activity of influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, and metapneumovirus: a systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2019;7(8):e1031-e1045. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(19)30264-5 3. Obando-Pacheco P, Justicia-Grande AJ, Rivero-Calle I, et al. Respiratory syncytial virus seasonality: a global overview. J Infect Dis. 2018;217(9):1356-1364. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiy056 4. World Health Organization Fact Sheet Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), 25 March 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/respiratory-syncytial-virus-(rsv) Accessed 03 Sept 2025. 5. Product Professional Information, Pfizer Laboratories, Dec 2024. Available on request. 6. Product Professional Information, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, May 2021. Available on request.