RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants under 12 months. Two new RSV protections are now available: nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a preventive monoclonal antibody for all infants, and Abrysvo, an RSV vaccine for pregnant women to protect their baby before birth. Talk to your Spring Valley Pediatrics physician about which protection is right for your child before RSV season begins — typically October through March in Washington DC.
While back to school can be lots of fun, it can also mean back to lots of viruses! RSV season is coming and this year, we may have an extra tool to help protect our littlest patients from severe symptoms caused by RSV.
RSV, which stands for respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages. For most people, it causes mild cold-like symptoms. However, babies have small, delicate airways which makes them more susceptible to severe symptoms with RSV. Infants less than 6 months old, premature infants, and infants with other health conditions such as chronic lung disease are especially at increased risk of developing difficulty breathing when infected with RSV.
The good news is that as of this summer, the FDA approved a new monoclonal antibody shot (nirsevimab, brand name BeyfortusTM) to help prevent severe disease from RSV. The CDC and American Academy of Pediatrics then published their recommendations that all infants 8 months and under receive one dose of nirsevimab when entering their first RSV season. It is also recommended for some children aged 8 to 19 months if they are entering their second RSV season and have certain risk factors.
The RSV monoclonal antibody shot works by providing passive immunity to RSV, meaning it gives your baby’s immune system extra help in fighting off the virus. It can significantly reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalization, and it is a safe and effective way to help keep your little ones safe this winter.
Our practice is working hard to get the shot as soon as it is available for distribution. Stay tuned for updates!
Frequently Asked Questions About RSV
What is RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common virus affecting the respiratory tract. Almost every child has had RSV at least once by age 2. For most healthy older children and adults, RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms. For infants — particularly those under 6 months, premature babies, and children with heart or lung conditions — RSV can cause serious illness including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of RSV in babies and children?
RSV typically starts like a cold: runny nose, decreased appetite, and mild cough. In infants it often progresses to significant breathing difficulty — rapid breathing, flaring nostrils, the skin pulling in between the ribs with each breath, or a wheezing sound. If your infant is breathing faster than normal, having difficulty feeding, or working hard to breathe, call Spring Valley Pediatrics or go to the emergency room.
When is RSV season in Washington DC?
In Washington DC and the Mid-Atlantic region, RSV season typically runs from October or November through March or April. The peak is usually December through February. Discuss RSV protection with your pediatrician before the season begins.
What is nirsevimab (Beyfortus) and who should get it?
Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody — not a vaccine — that provides passive protection against RSV for infants. It is recommended by the AAP and CDC for all infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season, and for high-risk infants 8–19 months entering their second RSV season. It is given as a single injection, typically in the fall.
Should I get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy?
Abrysvo is an RSV vaccine approved for use in pregnant women at 32–36 weeks gestation, ideally given September through January. When given during pregnancy it passes protective antibodies to the baby before birth. If you received Abrysvo during pregnancy, your baby may not need nirsevimab — discuss with your Spring Valley Pediatrics physician at your first newborn visit.
When should I take my baby to the doctor for RSV?
Call Spring Valley Pediatrics or go to the emergency room if your baby is breathing rapidly or with visible effort, has a bluish color around the lips or fingertips, is unable to feed due to breathing difficulty, has fewer than one wet diaper every 8 hours, or is younger than 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F or higher.
How is RSV treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV in most cases. Treatment is supportive: keeping your child comfortable, maintaining hydration, suctioning nasal secretions in infants, and monitoring breathing closely. Infants with significant breathing difficulty may require hospitalization for supplemental oxygen or IV fluids. Antibiotics do not treat RSV.
