How can I Protect My Child?
Preventive Steps
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 infection
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
There is no vaccine for RSV, but there are medicines available that can help babies and young children born at high risk for serious RSV infections.4
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. Resch B. Product review on the monoclonal antibody palivizumab for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017;13(9):2138-2149. doi:10.1080/21645515.2017.1337614
