10 Things Every Parent Should Know This RSV Season

While parents might be most familiar with the flu and common cold during winter virus season, it’s just as important to stay informed about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and, for the parents of infants especially, to learn how you can help protect your baby from RSV. Serious lung infections which can be caused by RSV can be unpredictable and can affect even healthy babies.

That’s why we were especially excited to attend the Joining BeyForces Creator Brunch hosted by Olympic gold medalist and mom of three Shawn Johnson East. The event gave us first hand insight into the reality of serious RSV lung infections from moms like Shawn, and expert guidance from Dr. Mona Amin, board-certified pediatrician and social media educator. Here’s what we learned.

1. RSV is Common, but It Doesn’t Always Manifest the Same Way

RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalizations. While most babies only experience mild cold-like symptoms, babies are 16 times more likely to be hospitalized with RSV than with the flu. Hospitalization is uncommon, but it can be hard to predict which cases will become serious, which makes prevention even more critical.

2. RSV Symptoms Can Escalate Quickly

In the first two days, your baby may not show any signs of illness. By days 3, 4, or 5, symptoms like congestion, a runny nose, and irritability may appear. But it’s between days 6 and 8 that RSV can progress quickly. The virus can move into the lungs, causing more serious symptoms like rapid breathing and wheezing. 

Serious symptoms require extra care. Though hospitalization is uncommon, babies who are hospitalized typically need support for breathing and hydration, which is why it’s so crucial to diligently monitor the progression of RSV.

3. RSV Prevention for Infants Has Evolved

Until 2023, the only preventative option for RSV was for babies at high-risk for developing serious RSV lung infection. Produced by scientists after decades of research, Beyfortus® (nirsevimab-alip) 50mg and 100mg Injection is designed to give babies an extra layer of protection against serious RSV lung infection. 

Beyfortus is a prescription medication used to help prevent a serious lung infection caused by RSV in newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season, and in certain children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of serious RSV lung infection through their second RSV season. Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus. Babies can get Beyfortus before they leave the hospital, or at a regular check-up along with routine immunizations. Beyfortus may not protect all children. See full Important Safety Information at the end of this article.

4. Shawn Johnson East’s Family Was Affected by RSV

Shawn Johnson East knows firsthand how serious RSV can be — her son Jett was hospitalized with it. So, when her third child, Barrett (aka Bear), was born in the middle of RSV season, she and her husband decided to take action to help protect him against serious RSV lung infection. They spoke with their healthcare provider about their options at Bear’s first wellness visit, which included Beyfortus®, an FDA-approved, American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended immunization that helps protect against serious RSV lung infections. Before opting for Beyfortus, they talked about the common side effects such as rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your child’s injection. Shawn shared that for her and her husband, Beyfortus was the right decision for Bear because it provided him an extra layer of protection against RSV.

5. RSV Spreads Easily — Especially Among Babies

RSV is highly contagious and can spread through droplets from sneezes and coughs, and your baby can catch it by just touching contaminated surfaces. When those virus droplets land on toys or hands, they can easily get into your baby’s eyes, nose, or mouth. RSV often spreads from family members or siblings who pick it up at work, school, or daycare, making it difficult for families to avoid it entirely.  

6. RSV Is Typically Seasonal, but in Some Places, Its Impact Is Felt All Year Long 

RSV typically peaks in the fall and winter, meaning this is the time of year when babies are most at risk. However, peak season varies by location, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to learn when you should take action to prevent RSV.

7. RSV Can Lead to Bronchiolitis and Pneumonia, Even in Babies Born Full Term and Healthy

RSV doesn’t always stop at the sniffles. In serious cases, it can lead to lung infections that can cause breathing difficulties, like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia. All babies, including those born at full term and healthy, and those born premature, are at risk.

8. COVID, Flu, and RSV Are Similar — but for Babies, RSV Stands out

RSV is unique among these common respiratory illnesses in how it affects babies' lungs. Wheezing is a telltale sign of infection caused by RSV. If you notice your baby making a whistling sound while breathing, it could be an indication that RSV has progressed — and that’s your cue to reach out to your pediatrician.

9. Parenting Takes a Village, Especially to Help Navigate Sicknesses

Parenthood may feel overwhelming at times, especially when a baby is sick, and connecting with families who have had similar experiences may help provide a sense of empowerment. Dr. Natalie Barnett, Vice President of Clinical Research at Nanit, shared that when it comes to making family decisions, “It’s about doing what feels right for you and turning to your circle — those you really trust and lean on — for guidance and support.”

10. Knowledge Can Help Give You Confidence to Take on the Season

Want to dive deeper into RSV prevention? Dr. Mona Amin’s PedsDocTalk podcast has you covered. In a recent episode, recorded live at the Joining BeyForces event, she sat down with Shawn Johnson East and Dr. Barnett for a candid conversation all about parenthood, supporting other parents, RSV and how Beyfortus could be the right option to help protect your baby.

Tune in to hear practical advice and expert insights that can help you feel more confident this RSV season.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Your child should not take Beyfortus if your child has a history of serious allergic reactions to nirsevimab-alip or any of the ingredients in Beyfortus.Before your child receives Beyfortus, tell your healthcare provider about all of your child’s medical conditions, including if your child:

• has ever had a reaction to Beyfortus.

• has bleeding or bruising problems. If your child has a problem with bleeding or bruises easily, an injection could cause a problem.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your infant should not receive a medicine called palivizumab if they have already received Beyfortus in the same RSV season.

Serious allergic reactions have happened with Beyfortus. Get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

• swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue

• difficulty swallowing or breathing

• unresponsiveness

• bluish color of skin, lips, or under fingernails

• muscle weakness

• severe rash, hives, or itching

The most common side effects of Beyfortus include rash and pain, swelling, or hardness at the site of your child’s injection. These are not all the possible side effects of Beyfortus. Call your healthcare provider if you have questions about side effects.

INDICATION

Beyfortus is a prescription medicine used to help prevent a serious lung disease caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in:

• Newborns and babies under 1 year of age born during or entering their first RSV season.

• Children up to 24 months of age who remain at risk of severe RSV disease through their second RSV season.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information, for more details.

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