RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common virus that primarily affects the lungs and airways. It often leads to mild to moderate respiratory symptoms, especially in infants and young children.

By the age of two, most children will have had an RSV infection at least once. The virus tends to circulate more during the winter months, although outbreaks can occur earlier or later in some regions.

While many children experience only mild symptoms, RSV can sometimes lead to serious illnesses like bronchiolitis or pneumonia, which can cause breathing difficulties and may require hospitalization.

RSV spreads easily from person to person. You and your child can get RSV through direct contact with an infected person or surface. It can also spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by sharing items like utensils or toys.

Symptoms of RSV are similar to a cold or flu and can include:

• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Fever
• Drinking or eating less
• Low energy or being unusually tired
• Wheezing
• Irritability

For infants, RSV is concerning because their smaller airways, immature immune systems, and rapid progression of the illness can lead to severe complications, hospitalization, or even death in extreme cases.

RSV can be mild to moderate in healthy children and adults, but for infants, particularly those at high risk (such as premature babies, those with chronic lung conditions, or weakened immune systems), it can be life-threatening.

RSV leads to around 16 times more hospitalizations in young children than influenza (the flu). RSV is also the leading cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways of the lungs) and pneumonia (a lung infection) in infants and very young children – those under one year of age.

It’s important to monitor symptoms and seek medical attention if your child has trouble breathing, are not drinking enough fluids or are experiencing worsening of any of the following symptoms:

Go your closest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 if your child experiences any of the following worsening symptoms:

• Trouble breathing - including rapid or labored breathing, flaring nostrils, wheezing or grunting sounds while breathing.
• A bluish or gray colour around the lips or face, indicating low oxygen levels.
• A fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) that persists or worsens.
• A persistent cough that disrupts sleep or causes distress.
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urine output, or lethargy.
• If the child seems unusually tired, irritable, or difficult to wake.

There are two effective options for protecting your infant from RSV:

1. A Preventative Antibody (preferred) – Beyfortus (Nirsevimab)

• How is it given? A single injection (often in the thigh muscle) given to the infant, ideally at birth, which provides protection for up to 6 months during the RSV season. If missed at birth, it can be given during the infant’s well-baby visit, alongside other routine immunizations.
• How does it work? Antibodies are what our body produces to protect us against a germ like the RSV virus. When given to the infant, it will prevent them from getting RSV during the current RSV season.

2. A Vaccine – Abrysvo (RSVpreF)

• How is it given? A single injection given intramuscularly into the pregnant individual between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who are delivering during the current RSV season. Can be given concurrently with Tdap vaccination that is recommended during pregnancy.
• How does it work? The vaccine helps the pregnant individual’s immune system produce antibodies that are passed on to the infant, protecting them from RSV until they are 6 months old.

It is recommended that the antibody (Beyfortus) be given to the infant, as it offers the longest-lasting protection and is considered the safest option.  Only one option is needed to protect your infant from RSV. Both the vaccine and monoclonal antibody are not necessary unless your healthcare provider recommends otherwise.

Preventative antibody (preferred) – Beyfortus (Nirsevimab)

Who should get it?

• Newborns and infants who were born during, or who will be experiencing their first, RSV season (fall and winter in Canada).
• Children up to 2 years old who are at high risk (e.g., immunocompromised, chronic lung disease) and experiencing their second RSV season.

Where will it be administered?

• Newborns: In the hospital, ideally before discharge.
• Out-of-hospital infants: By a primary care provider.
• High-risk children up to 2 years old: Given by a pediatric specialist, primary care provider, or outpatient hospital clinic

Vaccine – Abrysvo (RSVpreF)

• Pregnant individuals between 32 to 36 weeks gestation can receive the vaccine at their primary care provider, obstetricians, and midwives.
• In summary, RSV can be a serious threat to infants, particularly those at high risk. With safe and effective options like the preventative antibody and RSV vaccine, you can take steps to protect your baby from severe RSV infection. Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your child and your pregnancy.

• Your child’s Health Card or Birth Certificate .
• Any notes or questions that you may have
• List of current medications and allergies
• Immunization card

When you arrive, please check-in at:
Details / More To Come

• Creating Comfort for Babies During Needle Pokes

• Watch below videos about Breastfeeding for Minimizing Pain

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrKmAth4ZGc&t=1s

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55tejVjzzwE

• Bring comfort item and/or toy (i.e., soft blanket, rattle, book)