Protecting newborns from RSV infections
Parents of newborns are being advised to avoid crowded places during their child’s first three months to help protect them from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness and hospitalization in young children, especially during RSV season, which typically occurs from late fall to early spring.
“RSV infections can cause serious complications in infants with low immunity,” says Dr. Navneet Sharma, a neonatologist at Oak Valley Health. “Prevention is key, particularly in those early months.”
Two out of three babies will get RSV by their first birthday, Oak Valley Health reports. Babies younger than one year old are 16 times more likely to be hospitalized with serious RSV than with the common flu. Those at highest risk include newborns and babies under one year of age entering their first RSV season and children up to 24 months with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV through their second RSV season.
A Canadian study published in JAMA Network Open found that between almost half of the 11,014 RSV-related hospitalizations at 13 major children’s hospitals between 2017 and 2022 were in infants under six months. About a quarter of all hospitalized babies required intensive care and most of those were also under six months.
Anyone interacting with a baby should regularly wash their hands and regularly clean surfaces the baby may touch, as RSV can survive on surfaces for several hours. Sharma also advises parents to avoid having people with cold or flu symptoms visit or hold the baby. Consider wearing a mask if you’re unwell to help reduce exposure.
RSV immunization matters, Sharma notes. Beyfortus, a monoclonal antibody given as a single injection, now offers critical protection for infants, helping to reduce RSV-related hospital admissions. “Data from Europe and the U.S. for the 2023 RSV season shows that Beyfortus was 80 to 90 per cent effective in preventing RSV hospitalizations,” she says.
Beyfortus is FDA-approved and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Compared to Synagis, a traditional RSV immunization which required monthly injections for high-risk children, it’s available for all infants and requires only a single dose.
“At Oak Valley Health, Beyfortus is part of routine newborn care before discharge,” Sharma says. “It provides quick immunity during RSV season without directly stimulating the baby’s immune system.” Common side effects are mild, like redness or swelling around the injection site. “Our staff is trained to administer Beyfortus efficiently and educate parents about RSV prevention strategies. We want every parent to leave our facility equipped to protect their infant.”
Photo of Dr. Navneet Sharma courtesy of Oak Valley Health.