# Protecting babies from RSV during the holiday season

> **Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-11-13 15:40 UTC · Category: Health

## Executive Summary
Health experts advise parents on RSV protection for babies as holiday gatherings approach.

## Intelligence Brief
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.

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|
| Yahoo Health | Flu and RSV season: WellSpan pediatrician shares what parents need to know | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxPcUtLTUpvVjJnaGRmRkl4WmNSUXhmOG9aUkUxbXBKdW1uNG5zcUZhLXhNRWxBb1BHVHRqMkdHS0NpZTN5VG1TeFJPZXUzU2REcGVmc1VHSTVtcXI1S0JHWl9kZzJMdUc5NlVKOWhCR0lSTUx2ZmFBOXJ2NFhXdjQxQmRfWDgyVUtaUkw2dWxxQXlxbFExVTE0eVhTR2pBaS1nWEJIZndsTnUtblBY?oc=5) |
| Those Nerdy Girls | RSV season has started. Who can get the vaccine? | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiVkFVX3lxTE1ZSEJCSzlKU0duOV8zVlJJTngzQUl1OXhXSVZSYjQyQmwwZ0tSV1pqSG9YTzN3R28xVF9DbmdDYy1TR2dvVG9ySDZxNEk0ckJ5dkFxX3dn?oc=5) |
| Ireland Live News | HSE urges Mayo parents to take up free RSV protection for babies | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxQd1RCNUxiZWVLMzhzdm1INkpqUjh3amhoUXpYUUVRU2lsSlJxYmJKNGN5c2dfNzY4bk9rN2tQbzd5WHIwd1pLaW1JTWRzeFdwZnUwekl0YzRHYjg2RFZfQ3VuR3N6U3RPX1pTMVFrcE5NV0dCSzhOdTZwdHJDcFZ3eFh4akhzX0JkT3pvQzd2NTBSbHBFZktyVnpBZzBpd1FoWXVBWWNfVERaSFFrcVI1SVlUWVA2Zw?oc=5) |
| qz.com | RSV in babies: symptoms, risk groups and how to protect them, per CDC | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiZEFVX3lxTE0tWmw5bEtWUjRWQWJ4eFdaRG5VOU1SeTQxMHU1RHNiQXM3SlJXYk1UMWZ5ZTJ2VTFNeEs3aDRGUjJBUzJ6b2lfU21NRUFxT2Y0SjR1OFhqX290Q0ZSM3ZxcmgxOHc?oc=5) |
| KSL | Protecting babies from RSV during the holiday season | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikwFBVV95cUxPOTZWX2VRWmR1NXAtOWV0SFZ4RDJ0OTVKS0U1TTBLWEw4MGtuY29ybkVVZUlYb2Q4YUZQZGNfLUNjb24tX3JBZGhRQkp2VU5RNFdJam5ta1Z5MGtzM2VrNHFmRzJ1eXpqbURNR1J3eWl4M2t4b1lVeTVfQTVRdGF6ZEVnd2NtYmI0VlFTdjBSWUJZR0U?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://pulse.byoviral.com/trend/2026-11-13/protecting-babies-from-rsv-during-the-holiday-season*