Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can be dangerous for infants and young children. Children at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include the following:
- Premature infants
- Infants up to 12 months, especially those 6 months and younger
- Children younger than 2 years with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease
- Children with weakened immune systems
- Children who have neuromuscular disorders, including those who have difficulty swallowing or clearing mucus secretions
Learn more about RSV in infants and young children..
Prevention
RSV season starts in the fall and peaks in the winter in most regions of the U.S. Like other respiratory viruses, you can help limit the spread of RSV by using traditional preventive measures.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Beyfortus (Nirsevimab-alip) for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in neonates and infants born during or entering their first RSV season, and in children up to 24 months of age who remain vulnerable to severe RSV disease through their second RSV season. Nirsevimab is part of the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Review the following resources: