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A content infant in a light blue knitted outfit rests on a soft blanket while a caregiver gently holds the baby's feet, illustrating the protective bond between caregiver and child. The warm, nurturing scene emphasizes infant care and health protection

Yaya and Xuanxuan, advocates for respiratory syncytial virus infant protection.

Yaya and Xuanxuan, advocates for respiratory syncytial virus infant protection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

RSV is a very common and easily spread virus that can cause respiratory infections in babies. While RSV often leads to mild, cold‑like symptoms, it can sometimes progress to more serious lung infections in babies. In fact RSV continues to be a leading cause of hospitalization in babies before their first birthday.1

RSV spreads easily through contact with someone who is sick or contaminated surfaces. It can be transmitted through large droplets entering the eyes, nose, or mouth, typically through close contact or touching contaminated surfaces. Coughing or sneezing by someone who is sick can release these droplets, leading to transmission.2

One Family’s RSV Journey

For Tony and Sydney, becoming parents was such a special and rewarding experience. When their son Tino was just 2 months old, RSV turned their world upside down and led to a 12-day hospital stay they will never forget.  This experience opened their eyes to just how unpredictable serious RSV lung infection can be for babies, which is why they are sharing their story.

RSV Signs and Symptoms

The first signs of RSV in babies are often similar to those of a common cold, however, the virus can progress quickly and become a serious lung infection, causing other complications, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.1

RSV symptom text on a dark purple background.

Signs of Serious RSV

Symptoms can worsen as the RSV infection spreads to the lungs. Seek medical attention if your baby has any of these symptoms3:

  • Short, shallow, and abnormally fast breathing
  • A wheezing cough
  • Nasal flaring
  • Reduction in feeding and drinking due to breathing difficulties
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Developing a blue tint to their lips or fingernails
  • Fever
The Mastrangelo family, whose youngest child, Tino, was hospitalized with serious RSV lung infection.

When Is RSV Season?

RSV season is typically fall into spring in the majority of the United States.2

Yaya and Xuanxuan’s baby caught RSV at just two months old (this is not their baby).

Importance of Prevention

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends preventive antibodies for infants under eight months entering their first season, and certain high risk children entering their second season. Immunization for babies is generally recommended from October through March in most of the country, meaning just before RSV season onset and through the end of the season. If they’re born during RSV season, immunization is recommended during the first week of life. It's important for parents to speak to their baby's doctor about how to help protect their baby from serious RSV infection.4

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References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “RSV in infants and young children.” CDC, Feb. 20, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/infants-young-children/index.html
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “How RSV spreads.” CDC, Feb. 20, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/causes/index.html
  3. Cleveland Clinic. “RSV in Babies Children: Symptoms, Causes
    Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, Jan.15, 2024, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/rsv-in-babies-children
  4. Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics. “Recommendations for the prevention of RSV disease in infants and children: Policy statement.” Pediatrics, vol. 156, no. 5, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-073923

MAT-US-2404798-v2.0-04/2026