Protecting babies from RSV during the holiday season

Health experts are watching for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, alongside the flu as holiday gatherings approach.

According to KSL, an illness that starts out looking like a cold can be harder for babies to fight off because "their immune system is very young. It's very immature, and they don't have the ability to fight off a lot of different viruses," as stated by Carolyn Reynolds, executive director of the ambulatory clinical program at Intermountain Children's Health. KSL reported that RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants nationwide. Reynolds stated that cases in Utah are currently low, but an uptick is expected in the next few weeks, noting, "I believe after Thanksgiving, before Christmas, RSV will raise its head, and we will start seeing it around."

RSV can initially resemble a cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or fever. KSL noted that the CDC advises seeking medical care if a child has trouble breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or experiences worsening symptoms.

Immunization options are available to help protect babies from severe RSV. KSL reported that expectant mothers can receive the RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to pass protective antibodies to their babies, and eligible infants can receive an antibody shot after birth. During the 2024-2025 RSV season, 16,000 Utah babies received protection, making them nine times less likely to end up in the hospital, according to KSL. Additionally, children can receive a flu shot starting at 6 months of age.

Families can implement simple precautions during holiday gatherings. KSL recommended washing hands frequently and asking guests to avoid kissing a baby's face. Reynolds stated, "Don't pass your baby around to lots of people that you don't know if they're sick or not."

Parents can contact their pediatrician's office or county health department regarding flu shots or RSV protection. KSL noted that most insurance plans cover the RSV shot at no cost, and uninsured families can obtain it for free through Utah's Vaccines for Children program.