Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Learn more about protecting your baby from RSV.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that spreads easily from person to person. It is spread through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes or by touching a contaminated surface. It occurs most often between November to April (RSV season).

Most children will catch colds caused by RSV before they are three years old. In most children and adults, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, RSV can be more serious for infants less than one year of age, premature babies and children with chronic medical conditions. They are at risk for severe RSV illness, which may require a visit to the hospital.

How to protect your baby

You can choose between two ways to protect your baby from severe RSV illness.

The first way is with a new medication that is given to infants during the RSV season as a single injection (needle). This is not a vaccine. It is a safe and effective medication that gives babies antibodies that provide six months of protection from RSV. The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends this as the preferred option to prevent RSV in infants.

Your infant might be eligible to receive this medication if they are born at Mount Sinai Hospital during RSV season (November to April). Infants will be offered this medication before leaving the hospital.

The second way to protect your baby from severe RSV illness is by getting an RSV vaccine between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This vaccine will continue to protect your baby after they are born.

Only one option is needed to protect against RSV unless you are otherwise advised by your health-care provider.

Speak to your health-care provider for more information.

Learn more about the preventative RSV medication for infants from the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health.

For more information about RSV, please see the following resources: